Portia White was an incredible classical singer who hailed from Truro, Nova Scotia. In spite of the times she lived through, she became a world-renowned performer, being the first Black Canadian to perform on an international level. While she unfortunately passed away in 1968 from cancer, the Government of Canada has since declared here a person of national historical significance, and a music prize has been dedicated in her name to acknowledge outstanding musicans in Nova Scotia who have shaped the culture of the province.

I learned of Portia White after discovering the Canada Black Music Archives, which is an incredible resource for learning about Black music history in Canada. I’ve added them to the Megathread of resource, but feel free to check them out here!