This week on WCLK's The Local Take, we revisit the Porter Family in DeKalb County. The Porters were deeded the land by DeKalb County Judge Joseph Walker at his death. He left the property to the formerly enslaved who had lived and worked the land. The neighborhood on Porter Road is mostly inhabited by the Porter family. Developers have been interested in developing the land on either end of the street. Renaldo Porter Moore and activist Derik Rinehart join us to give an update.
We spoke with the Porter Family last in May 2019. At that time, the community was collaborating with the county to preserve the historic graveyard located on Porter Road near Covington Highway. I am aware that development has commenced on both sides of Porter Road, not only on Covington Highway, but also on Kensington.
You were able to stop a potential development that hadn’t been very well thought out. Additionally, you were looking to protect the historic graveyard. The gentlemen shared that they are working with the county to ensure a clear separation between the development and the graveyard.
They are also looking to re-group to share the story of Porter Road and the historic significance of an enslaver freeing those he enslaved on his deathbed. The plantation house is also in disrepair. The community is hoping to obtain historical designation and spread the story of their family’s rich history.
For more information, reach out to Derik Rinehart or Renaldo Porter Moore.