Irvin Porter

Abstract

Born in 1924 in Iberville Parish, Louisiana, Irvin Porter recalls his sheltered life as the youngest child, before he was plunged into active duty in the Pacific theater during World War II. Irvin’s military experiences fueled his determination to no longer accept the second-class citizen ship he had endured living in rural Louisiana. After registe ring to vote, Irvin at tended college in Baton Rouge, where he met his future wife, Alice Morrison. Alice’s family owned one of the first black taxi companies in New Orleans. The couple, both teachers, raised four daughters and pioneered Pontchartrain Park where they sought the middle-class life depicted in television sitcoms of the 1950s, with a brick ranch home, substantial yards, and access to quality schools. In 2006, Irvin was a winner of Tom Joyner’s contest, “Real Fathers, Real Men.” Listeners to the show write letters nominating exemplary African American fathers. Each Tuesd ay the winning letter is rea d on the air and one thousand dollars is awarded to the honored father. Irvin used his award to purchase a riding lawn mower.¹

Irvin gave his account on February 14, 2006, from the kitchen table of his sparsely furnished rental house in Baton Rouge. He was not keen on being interviewed at first, yet he eventually told his story with the same quiet flair and aptness with which he has lived. Irvin s smile is riveting, especially when his eyes light on his wife of fifty five years. His hair is whitey his eyes sharp.

Irvin 5 short narrative uses the terse language typical of members of his generation, accustomed to a lifetime of struggle under challenging circumstances. Irvin watched the aftermath of Katrina on television with his wife and oldest daughter’s family in Germantown. Irvin s account shows how confusing the reconstruction process has been for his generation, even for someone like Irvin with a master’s degree and well-educated children. Irvin returned after Katrina to rural acreage near his birthplace.