Civil Rights Brothers: The Journey of Albert Porter and Allan Ward

On this episode of Arts & Letters, we talk with writer and emeritus professor of Speech Communications at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Dr. Allan Ward. His book, Civil Rights Brothers, The Journey of Albert Porter and Allan Ward, published by Award Press in Little Rock, chronicles his friendship and work with civil rights activist Albert Porter.

Ward and Porter "started out in two different places, far apart, unknown to each other. But the lines moved closer to each other. . . until they came together, and then side by side, next to each other."

First meeting as faculty at Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee, the two friends began organizing demonstrations, meetings and literacy training in the area. They also invited guest speakers to offer advice and encouragement. One of these speakers was Civil Rights activist Medgar Evers.

Ward worked as Dean of Instruction at Philander Smith College, the Arkansas Enterprises For The Blind, and later joined the faculty at UALR, where Porter also worked. Both Porter and Ward continued to help the community in Little Rock, working with foster children, the homeless, and volunteering for public schools.