The Kim Porter Legacy Award Recipient: Natalia Temesgen

Columbus native Kimberly Antwinette Porter grew up with a deep love for music and singing—a passion that would shape her life and legacy. She began her career at Uptown Records, where her talent and tenacity helped bridge the cultural gap between the South and the East Coast. Through her influence, she became an Atlanta legend, playing a pivotal role in connecting Southern culture to the pulse of New York City’s music scene. Kim Porter left this earth on November 15, 2018, but her legacy continues to inspire.

In her honor, The Kim Porter Legacy Award is presented annually to a local individual who exemplifies excellence in the arts and carries forward her spirit of creativity, cultural connection, and impact.

This year, we proudly recognize Natalia Temesgen.

Natalia Temesgen is a nationally acclaimed playwright, television writer/producer, and Associate Professor of Creative Writing at Columbus State University. A proud Tri-City resident, Natalia’s body of work spans acclaimed productions across Atlanta, New York, and Philadelphia. She has written for celebrated series including Dear White People (Netflix), Julia (Max), and Reasonable Doubt (Hulu).

Her talent and dedication to storytelling have earned her numerous accolades. She was named a 2021 Artist in Residence at the Serenbe Institute and was awarded the prestigious Film Focus Fellowship. Her play Lawnpeople received an Honorable Mention for the 2019 Relentless Award, and her most recent theatrical work, Look Forward: The Ruby Bridges Story, had its 2025 regional premiere at Prime Stage Theatre in Pittsburgh.

Natalia holds a B.A. in English from Princeton University and an M.F.A. in Dramatic Writing from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Through her artistry and teaching, she continues to inspire future generations and uplift stories that deserve to be told.