A Legacy of Perseverance

In recognition of Black History Month, we’d like to highlight Portia White, an acclaimed international singer from Nova Scotia who lived from 1911 to 1968. Recently, Spatz Theatre, Citadel High School (Halifax, NS) honoured her by unveiling a portrait and naming an atrium after her – The Portia White Atrium.

Rev. Rhonda Britton, Senior Pastor of Cornwallis Street Baptist Church, was at the unveiling and had the privilege to speak about Portia’s legacy and the impact she has had on the community. Below is a condensed version of what she said:

“Portia May White was born in 1911 in Truro, Nova Scotia, the third of thirteen children born to Izie Dora and William Andrew White. Her mother was a descendant of Black Loyalists, while her father was the son of former slaves from Virginia. In 1916, Rev. White enlisted in the No. 2 Construction Battalion, an all black segregated unit serving in World War I. He was the only black chaplain in the entire British Army and was a commissioned officer serving with the rank of Captain. Following the war Rev. White was called to Cornwallis Street Baptist Church, a position he held for over 17 years. With her father as pastor and her mother as the musical director, Portia began her musical career in the church as a choir member at the age of six. One historical anecdote said that sometimes the choir at Cornwallis Street was entirely the children of Rev. & Mrs. White!”

“In its 183 years CSBC has always been a community church that exists to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through proclamation and service. The church’s history includes community endeavours such as a clothing depot, its after school tutoring program and its 30+ year hot lunch program. CSBC also has a legacy of promoting social justice. CSBC has continually advocated for equal rights and a level playing field for African Nova Scotians.”

“Portia White’s story resonates with the spirit of Cornwallis Street Baptist Church. We are proud to be one of the places where her talent was nurtured and encouraged. Her story reminds us that people of colour are resilient and resourceful. In the face of discrimination, she persevered. Halls in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario declined to host her concerts. She toured long distances, with just her accompanist, paying for her own expenses. Portia was never able to get a recording contract. The systemic racism that pervaded Canada during Portia’s formative years was / IS an impediment to human and social development that makes her achievements all the more extraordinary. Between two world wars and the Depression, at a time when women, and even more so, women of colour, had to struggle to get an education and fight to get a job in anything other than domestic service, Portia pressed on. Lian Goodall’s biography “Singing Towards The Future: The Story of Portia White”, quotes White as saying, ‘first you dream and then you lace up your boots.'”

“That’s exactly what she did. Bravo, Ms. White!”