"The Porter" A Star Will Shine Scholarship Fund

Lithonia, GA native, Reyna Porter is a rising senior attending Howard University, majoring in TV and Film with a minor in Playwriting. Reyna was fortunate to receive multiple scholarships upon entering Howard in 2023, and that experience inspired her commitment to giving back and creating opportunities for the next generation of young people pursuing their dreams. A passionate storyteller and advocate for the transformative power of the arts, Reyna believes creativity connects people across cultures, languages, and generations. Through storytelling and service, she hopes to leave a legacy rooted in intention, imagination, and impact that sparks meaningful change for generations to come. Metro- Atlanta has one of the starkest racial wealth income disparities in the United States. Research shows that the average white household in the region holds 46 times more wealth than the average Black household, while many Black families experience financial instability and limited generational assets. As a result, the cost of higher education can present a significant barrier for many African American students pursuing their academic goals. "The Porter" A Star Will Shine Scholarship Fund was created in recognition of these realities and the belief that financial barriers should not stand in the way of brilliance, creativity, or ambition. The purpose of this scholarship is to help relieve some of the financial stress faced by bright young stars across Metro Atlanta as they begin their higher-education journey. Beyond financial support, this scholarship seeks to affirm an important message: creativity and art belong in every space. Whether a student dreams of becoming a doctor, engineer, architect, entrepreneur, educator, artist, or filmmaker, innovation and imagination are tools that can transform industries and communities alike. Reyna’s father always said to her “A star will shine wherever it is in the sky” — she believes that shine has the power to change the world.