James Amos Porter
Early Life and Education James Amos Porter, a pivotal figure in the development of African American art history, was born on December 22, 1905, in Ann Arbor, United States of America. His life’s work would later influence generations in the African American art movement. He received his primary education in Baltimore, MD, and Washington, D. C., before graduating *cum laude* with a B.S. in art from Howard University in 1927. Immediately
after graduation, he joined Howard’s faculty as an instructor of drawing and painting, maintaining this position until his death. His father, John Porter, had emigrated from Scotland to Canada with 14 years old and lived until 18 in the farm of his uncle. After working as a carpenter's apprentice for a year earning $1 per week, he established himself as a builder and later partnered with Robert Young. In 1858, he married Margaret, sist…
