Sen. Kevin Matthews, chairman of Oklahoma’s Legislative Black Caucus, said members are creating a $10,000 endowed scholarship at Langston University to honor the life and work of E. Melvin Porter, Oklahoma’s first black member of the state Senate. Porter died July 26 at the age of 86. Matthews will formally announce the creation of the scholarship at a memorial service for Porter to be held this Saturday, August 6 at 11:00 a.m., at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Oklahoma City.

Sen. Kevin Matthews said members of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus will focus on improving education and increasing training for some members of law enforcement as well as private security personnel in the months ahead. Matthews, who was elected caucus chair in May, said these were two examples of public policy he and his fellow members would be pursuing during the interim and in the 2016 session.

Capitol Room 422
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105
(405) 521-5612
For Immediate Release: November 6, 2017
Senate leaders talk to Capitol press following Monday's 37-5 vote on bipartisan revenue bill.
Pictured are Appropriations Vice Chair Sen. Eddie Fields, R-Waynona;
Appropriations Chair Sen. Kim David, R-Porter; Senate President Pro
Tempore Mike Schulz, R-Altus; and Majority Leader Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City.
****Click link above to access press conference audio.