About Me
Dr. Henry L. Porter is an encourager - an agent of success - an engineer of progress - a master of perception: he can see possibilities in others that they do not see in themselves. And, he has the power to help them achieve it - to become "towers of greatness".At age 25, Dr. Porter was invited to serve on the faculty at Florida A&M University, Department of Mathematics. He formed the Spiritual Growth and Enlightenment Prayer Group. It grew to University of Florida, University of South Florida, Florida State University, New College-Sarasota, and to Tampa. Westcoast took to foreign soil in 1974: Kingston, Jamaica.Sarasota Magazine selected Mr. and Mrs. Porter for the 1993 and 2002 Editions: Sarasota 100, Most Powerful People in Sarasota. The couple is recorded in the official Video Archives of Sarasota. The national publication, Ebony Man Magazine, chose Bishop Porter, along with six other African-American men in the nation for its article, "How Black Men Are Giving Back to the Community" (April 1993). Dr. Porter is listed in "Who's Who among Black Americans", Who's Who among America's Teachers, and African-American Good News (Gospel) Music. He has received numerous awards: a commendation from Governor Jeb Bush of Florida, August 1999; Sarasota Herald-Tribune awarded the Westcoast Center the Golden Gavel Award for Youth Related/Youth Sponsored Service, October 4, 2000. Block of 4th Street in downtown Sarasota dedicated to Dr. Henry L. Porter in 2001, and the Governor's Points of Light Award from Governor Jeb Bush in 2002.He was inducted into the State of Florida Gospel Hall of Fame, June 27, 2003. April 14, 2004, He was inducted into the Sarasota Hall of Fame (Video Archives of the City of Sarasota). September 25, 2004, he was inducted into the Broadcasters' Hall of Fame, Akron, Ohio.His brilliant voice lights the sky with gladness. His television show, The Love Campaign®, airing since 1986, made its national debut on BET in 2004-2006. It can now be seen in selected markets. Bishop Porter often appears on the nationally televised Bobby Jones Gospel, and has shared the stage with such great singers as Albertina Walker, Shirley Caesar, The Mighty Clouds of Joy and the late Cassietta George. He served as panelist for the national broadcast, "Let's Talk Church" filmed in Las Vegas, 2002.Dr. Porter has authored numerous books, including several books of poetry. He is the publisher of the Sword of the Spirit Newsletter, Black Action Magazine, Westcoast Magazine and HLP Records. He has recorded seventeen albums, and has written more than 2000 songs.THE GOSPEL AWARDS instituted The Henry Porter Award, honoring Music that Does More Than Sound Award in 2003. World-renown, Hollywood star, Pastor Andraé Crouch accepted the 2004 award; Elbernita “Twinkie†Clark in 2005. The Sarasota-Manatee Chapter of the United Negro College Fund honored him, Feb 2, 2005.Bishop Henry Porter is the Presiding Prelate of the Westcoast Centers, with Global Headquarters in Sarasota, Florida.
