The Carmen Porco Story: Journey Toward Justice

“This well-thought out biography, provides a compelling and beautifully written account of Carmen Porco’s life journey. The story is largely told, often rivetingly, in Carmen’s uniquely captivating voice.” Reverend Carmen Porco has transformed how low income public housing should be managed in this country. He believes that public housing complexes must do more for people in need than just offer shelter. “These properties that are benefiting from government subsidies should provide a comprehensive array of social and educational services onsite so that poor people have the resources necessary to improve their lives,” says Carmen. And that is exactly what he has done in Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin. His properties have low-crime and high-graduation rates and nearly one out of every four households has someone in college. Hie innovative housing ministry has changes the lives of thousands of people in Wisconsin over the past 40-years.

Porco grew up poor in an integrated neighborhood in Weirton, West Virginia. He has maintained authentic life-long relationships with Black people. His Italian parents started out as bootleggers before opening a barroom where Porco spent his youth interacting with all types of people. When Carmen’s best friend was killed in a gang fight that Carmen led, he turned to the church and began preaching at age 15, but he never forgot his roots. Although he started off as a Fundamentalist, by the time he graduated from seminary school he was challenging the traditional church and its commitment to fully serving the needs of the poor. Porco believes that the “True Church” is not in a building but in the streets and homes, where people live daily, and in his case, his housing ministry.

For most of his adult life Rev. Porco has fought for racial justice and equal opportunities for the poor. This inspiring biography of Madison’s most non-traditional pastor is a testament to the power of hope over despair.

“Whenever I meet Carmen, whether scheduled or by accident, it is always a great opportunity to learn, to be fascinated and to find hope. There is always something new, something instructive, and something inspiring,”
– Paul Soglin, former Mayor Madison, WI.

“I have observed first-hand how God has led Dr. Carmen “Babe” Porco to compassionately serve the poor and become a champion for justice. This book is a must read for anyone seeking justice for those who live in poverty”
– Rev. Dr. Archie L. Ivy-Senior Pastor New Hope Missionary Baptist Church Milwaukee, WI.