CA-K171Culture & sport

Portia White, contralto

Portia White photographed by Yousuf Karsh in January 1946. Portia White · Yousuf Karsh · Photo source · Photo licence: Public domain. Resized for display; item previews may be cropped. The image remains under the licence shown.

Factual accuracy review: No recorded challenge

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Contralto Portia White (1911–1968), from the Black Nova Scotian community, was the first African-Canadian woman to win international acclaim as a singer. Between 1940 and 1948, her debuts in Toronto and New York and recitals across the Americas and the Caribbean became a source of pride for Canadians.

Scope & context

Her concert career, not a full biography.

Sources behind this record

Portia May White (1911-1968) National Historic Person ↗

Parks Canada

Historical importance; plaque text