Traits Portia White’s physical appearance is characterized by a dark brown complexion, short coily hair, small thin eyebrows, and pronounced lips and nose. When it comes to personality, it is clear that she was a strong willed woman. Even as a child, determined to sing, she walked many miles to attend singing lessons. As an adult, she fought against the status quo to attain fame and recognition for her incredible voice.
Early Life Born June 24th 1911, Portia was the third of William A. White’s and Izie Dora White’s thirteen children. Growing up in Truro, Nova Scotia. She spent her childhood singing in her church’s choir under her mother’s guidance, where a talent for singing was nurtured. As a result, by the age of eight, she was already singing soprano lines in the Lucia Di Lammermoor opera. Determined to pursue singing, she began taking music lessons around the age of eight. However, the distance from her classes caused her to require walking approximately 16 kilometers a week. …show more content…
At the start of her career, she would usually be denied a spot to perform on the basis of her race. When these situations arose, Portia White was known to persevere. In fact, a famous quote of hers states that “First you dream, then you lace up your boots”. As a result, to prove her worth and talent as an artist, she officially debuted and signed with an agency so she could dictate where and when she would perform. By facing the brunt of scrutiny, and pushing back to stand her ground. She became, arguably, a world-renowned artist. Moreover, her efforts opened doors and opportunities for aspiring artists of color to chase their