[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 125 (Tuesday, July 22, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E707]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING DEBORAH PORTER ON HER 68TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JONATHAN L. JACKSON

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 22, 2025

  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
impactful life and multifaceted contributions of Deborah J. Porter, a 
distinguished media professional, passionate stylist, and dedicated 
community advocate. As she marks her birthday on July 21, 1957, we take 
this moment to honor her remarkable journey and enduring legacy.
  Born in Port Gibson, Mississippi, and reared in Chicago from a very 
young age, Deborah J. Porter was shaped by the values of dedication and 
perseverance, instilled by her hardworking mother, a domestic worker, 
and her father, employed at a steel mill.
  A proud alumna of Columbia College Chicago, Deborah earned her 
Bachelor of Arts in Television in 1980. During her senior year, 
impactful internships at WBMX and WLS proved instrumental in launching 
her illustrious career. Her commitment to community empowerment began 
at just eleven years old when she joined the choir of Operation 
Breadbasket, remaining actively involved through its successor, Rainbow 
PUSH. This organization profoundly shaped her character, discipline, 
and ambition, fueling her remarkable success.
  Immediately after college, Deborah embarked on a decade-long career 
at V103FM (formerly WBMX-FM), evolving through various roles from 
receptionist to producer of ``Sunday Morning Live,'' and later 
contributing to traffic, music research, and sales. Her talent then led 
her to Black Entertainment Television (BET), where she enjoyed a 
sixteen-year tenure, starting as the first Sales Service Planner and 
advancing to management for both the Midwest and West Coast offices. 
Her outstanding contributions earned her numerous awards.
  Following her time at BET, Deborah freelanced at Burrell 
Communications before pursuing her passion for fashion. At Macy's 
flagship store on State Street in Chicago, her genuine care for people 
and standout personality made her the No. 1 Salesperson in the Midwest 
region. Today, Deborah continues to live with purpose, working part-
time as an Ambassador at GCJ Hospitality and pursuing her love for 
styling, connecting with people and elevating their confidence through 
fashion.
  Deborah remains deeply connected to civic and cultural life, 
maintaining affiliations with Rainbow PUSH, The Power of Women, the 
Black Women's Expo (BWe) Advisory Board, and the BET Alumni Reunion 
Committee. Of all her accomplishments, she is most proud of her role as 
a loving mother to her two beloved sons, Herman Porter III and Harrison 
Jeffrey Porter, and cherishes her partnership with her fiance, Jerome 
``JJ'' Jones.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the 
extraordinary life and ongoing accomplishments of Deborah J. Porter, a 
resilient professional, a community pillar, and an inspiring individual 
whose legacy of excellence, community engagement, and timeless style 
continues to enrich our Nation.

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