HUMBLE AWARD: Willie Porter Jr. (The Beginning of Greatness)

In this edition of Culture Shock we would like to give the Humble Award to a special Artist Willie Porter Jr.  The Humble Award is given to people in our community that are making an impact on our society.  Many we may know, but some are under the radar.  I would like to take the time out to thank Willie Porter Jr. for his presence in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia community where I met him, and for the positive effect that he has on the people that come in contact with him.  I will give you all some background on Willie Porter Jr.

Full Name: Willie Porter Jr.

D.O.B: June, 1990 

Born in: Flint, Michigan

Residence Now: Richmond, VA

I asked Mr. Porter when did he recognize his creative gift?

Willie Porter:  "I didn't recognize my creative gift. People I love & respect recognized it for me and I felt I owed it to them and myself to take it seriously. My high school art teacher gave me that push that I needed. My senior year of high school, I had no intention of going to college until about April. When my art teacher got on me to create a portfolio and submit it to vcu. She told me that if I applied that she'd write my letter of recommendation and guide me through the process. Needless to say, I got accepted into their school of arts and never looked back. Although I didn't finish my schooling there, that experience with my teacher was the spark I needed to appreciate my gift."

I asked Mr. Porter how will he use his gift to inspire the WORLD?

Willie Porter: "I can't speak of all the things God will allow me to do to inspire the world in days to come, but I can tell you about a plan I have that I feel will greatly impact a city. I'm moving to Richmond, Va tomorrow morning. I quit my job two weeks ago. I plan to paint and tattoo to cover my rent. While I have no doubts that I'm going to get it done, I thought over and over about how I could connect with Richmond. Sure I know people who I attended VCU (Virginia Common Wealth University) with, but how can I immediately be a presence in the art scene. While I've made a name for myself in Fredericksburg, Va that buzz won't keep me afloat in Richmond, Va. 

One day as I was riding through Richmond with my girl I kept thinking and thinking. Looking around at all the students, business men/women, and countless homeless ppl. Where do I start as far as making my mark. Then it hit me and I couldn't stop smiling. I have to start from the bottom. Once I unpack my things tomorrow, I'm putting the cardboard boxes to use. I'm painting as many pieces of cardboard that I can, with whatever comes to mind. Whether it be portraits, animals, whatever. Then I'm gonna walk the city and hand them to bums. Not only is it free promotion for me, but it'll bring more attention and potentially more money to them. Now what they do with it has nothing to do with me. I'm gonna give the choice of either selling my paintings and let them keep the money, or keeping the paintings. Hopefully them holding on to something that is typically found in a home will inspire them to end up in a home and not on the street. If they do sell what I give them, then I'll bring them more. Everyone sees bums. Everyday. I know I'd stop and notice a bum holding art. I have many more ideas when it comes to the homeless, but that's all I'll share for now."

Mr. Porter has demonstrated faith, perseverance, and trust way possible.  I commend this brother for his achievements and I pray for his future success.  Once again to a humble gentleman we present WILLIE PORTER JR. with the HUMBLE AWARD.  Check out a couple of pieces of Willie Porter Jr's artwork below.  Leave comments and responses.  His contact information for painting inquires is: WillEPorter810@aol.com