The Black Student Association will host its annual Black History Month reception and award ceremony at 7p.m. on monday in the Rose Theatre.
Each year, the group presents the Arthur S. Holmon Lifetime Achievement award to an individ- ual that personifies what the award is about.
“Our recipient for this year is Mr. David Porter,” Said Raven Jones, president of the organization. “Mr. Porter is a Hall of Fame songwriter, record producer and entrepreneur.”
Porter is a native of Memphis with a history in the community. He is a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School and later attended Lemoyne Owen College.
Porter has produced many R&B hits in the 1960s and 1970s such as “Can’t See You When I Want Too,” and “Isn’t That Loving You” at Stax studios.
Porter has also contributed to the community by starting the non- profit Consortium Memphis Music Town initiative in 2012.
“Mr. Porter is a nationally known icon, however he has chosen to remain in Memphis and give back,” said Linda Hall, BSA advisor and associate Dean of the Multicultural Affairs. “He really personifies what the lifetime achievement award is all about. It matters not where you begin in your life, but to do well and then give back to your community.”
Hall said she hopes students, faculty and all other guests who attend will leave the ceremony knowledgeable about Black History Month.
