Tflfate Volume 2 2004 Number 1

WHITE FAMILY REUNION TO BE HELD IN OTTAWA FAMILY THEATRE PARTY JULY 28-31,2005 SET FOR JANUARY 15

Ottawa, Ontario is an excellent location for the next White Family On Saturday, January 15, 2005, Reunion! The capital of Canada is a picturesque, vibrant, welcoming city at 2:00 p.m., the White family will that is easy to reach by air, by land... even by water! sponsor a theatre party to Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. to see the The conference committee is working hard to make sure that this musical Hallelujah, Baby! Winner of first-ever Ottawa reunion is an extremely enjoyable experience for the 1968 Tony Award for Best everyone. Here are some of the activities being planned for your visit: Musical, Hallelujah, Baby! follows a young woman from decade to * opportunities to welcome new family members and salute our decade as she dreams of trading in elders her maid's mop for the excitement of * the Family History Seminar the stage. Along the way, she faces * an updated and expanded Family Tree head-on the challenges of a society * the return of the famous White Family Talent Show! struggling with segregation, * the ever-popular, always-exciting Family Auction! economic hardships, two world wars, * Game Night with Lome White and the momentous fight for civil * a celebration of the life of acclaimed concert singer rights. Living legend Arthur Laurents, Portia White who wrote the musical's book and * shopping and sight-seeing excursions directed the Broadway production, * visits to the National Archives and the Museum of will direct Arena Stage's production Civilization of this compelling and engaging * Family Quiz with prizes musical. * dinner in the Panorama Room of the National Arts Centre * a chance to pose for the 2005 Family Photograph Take the opportunity to see the * an evening of music and dancing with a fabulous African band work of one of the masters of * the Sunday morning church service American musical theatre and enjoy dinner with family following the show. Home base for the reunion will be the stately Lord Elgin Hotel (website As a bonus, depending upon the www.lordelginhotel.ca). Comfortable, well-appointed, and recently number of participants, the family renovated, this historic hotel has a new fitness centre, a new indoor treasury may benefit from the event. swimming pool, and a new restaurant, along with excellent meeting facilities. The Lord Elgin is located in the downtown area, close to A flyer for the theatre party is landmarks such as the National Arts Centre, the Rideau Canal, the enclosed with this newsletter. Canadian Parliament Buildings, and the lively Market Area, with easy Encourage family and friends to join access to museums, art galleries, restaurants, and clubs. And just across you for what is sure to be an the Ottawa River in the province of Quebec, Gatineau Park offers a wealth enjoyable day in Washington. of natural beauty. Mark Your Calendar Our special reunion hotel rate is $128 (Canadian) per night... that's for the next less than $100 US. To reserve your room now, call toll-free family theatre party 1-800-267-4298 and mention "White Family Reunion" to receive the April 30, 2005 discount. Reunion registration materials will be mailed to you in early at Arena Stage spring. The Piano Lesson July 28 to 31, 2005... Please mark these dates on your calendar (or by August Wilson your Palm Pilot) right away. And, let's all meet in Ottawa!

By Chris White winner of the 2005 Reunion Chair 1990 Putlitzer Prize 2004

Reunion Mghligkts The White Family Reunion "Completing the Circle while Engaging Family members are still basking in the glow of the wonderful 2003 reunion the Generations" weekend. Among the many reunion highlights are: Was the theme for the reunion this year. We are an accomplished, talented and >• The opening ceremony with family parade and multicolored family flags energetic family, Facing each day we live without fear! * The attendance at the reunion for the very first time of the descendants of Hezekiah Rufus White and the descendants of Charlie Harris This is the tenth White family reunion, but, it is the first one for me! * The screening of Honour Before Glory, the documentary film about This is truly an awesome experience! Captain William Andrew White and the World War I Canadian There are so many relatives with smiling Construction Battalion faces to see!

* The tour of Spirit of the Motherland, the wonderful collection of African So many times, while talking about my art at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts immediate family, I find my eyes starting to tear! *• The banquet speaker Rex Ellis who educated, entertained, and stimulated My brother Bobby, would especially enjoy this! >• The 300-inch wide family tree that contained more than 1300 names I miss him! He is no longer here!

*• The very moving candlelight service in memory of recently departed As I entered the auditorium, on the family members second floor of the hotel, To view the movie that was being *• The church service that we conducted at Zion Baptist Church in King shown, and Queen, the church that counts Andrew and Isabella White among its I looked around at all the people there! founders I can claim each of you as my own!

>• The wonderful spirit of kinship and camaraderie that pervaded the entire I think that God will continue, reunion, as expressed in the following commentary by Irene Harris: To bless each member of this clan! We must keep a steadfast faith in God! The reunion was an experience I will never forget. While I was at the banquet, He is the greatest friend to man! there was a moment when I simply paused and gazed around the room that I felt spirits around me and when I looked up toward the ceiling I would swear that I God bless each one of the White family, could see various faces which formed a circle above us and they all held smiles reflecting happiness and pride. IT WAS AWESOME!!!!! And all those I have yet to see! God has been good to us all! FAMILY DUES Now DUE Remember, the best is yet to be! Each adult family member is asked to pay biennial family dues in the amount Leonora A. Wyatt Granddaughter of Hezekiah Rufus White of $25 per person. Dues help to defray ongoing family expenses such as the July 30, 2003 newsletter and other mailings, and the ongoing genealogical effort. Dues also provide the foundation for the family reunion budget, and should be paid by The White Family Focus family members, their spouses, and their significant others. P.O. Box 6009 Richmond, Virginia 23222 Please make checks payable to White Family Reunion. Family members in (804)321-1206 Canada and the United Kingdom should send their checks for $25 to Chris White, [email protected] 20 Adelaide Street, Ottawa, ON Kl S 3S1. Family members in the United States Bessida Cauthorne White, Editor should send their checks for $25 to Lauren Bladen-White, 249 8th Street, NE, Contributors: Chris White, Sheila White, Apt. 101, Washington, DC 20002. Please submit your checks promptly, but at Vivian White, Linda Wyatt-Simpson, least by January 31, 2005. The payment of dues well in advance of the reunion Leonora A. Wyatt Special thanks to all of those persons will allow the reunion planning committee to create a timely reunion budget. who submitted Relative Tidbits

Page 2 2004 My Family As we look to the future Bus TO 2005 REUNION Great achievements will be made. Today, I met my family. Just remember from Plans are being made to charter And Oh, what a beautiful sight! whence we started a bus from Virginia to the 2005 There were so many smiling faces Which began with a Negro slave. family reunion. Do consider this With love that shined so bright. opportunity to travel in comfort, at a Who ever would imagine reasonable rate, and in the com- Our welcome was outstanding Having relatives so great. pany of family and friends. For a missing piece was sealed. One who assisted Booker T. The progeny of and another The bus will originate in central Hezekiah Rufus White Who sang opera in New York State. Virginia (likely in Tappahannock as Was finally revealed. in 1999). Again, if there are A film based on the diary interested persons in the DC With arms open to embrace Of Rev. William Andrew White metropolitan area, the bus will stop in Northern Virginia/Maryland. And loving warmth within. A man of courage and dignity Family members and friends in Each family member greeted us Who fought for black soldiers rights. Baltimore, Delaware, Pennsylvania, And wondered where we've been. and South Jersey will also have the The author is a member of the opportunity to join the trip since the As they introduced themselves White Family clan. bus will be travel North on Interstate And of course- their family tie. One who brings great 95. An overwhelming feeling of love "Honour Before Glory" Quickly filled my eyes. of a fine military man. Round trip fare for adults will be $150; for college students and I never thought my family I am fueled by all these findings younger children the fare will be Was any more than I had known. Of the White Family Tree. $90. Registration forms for the bus The stories I was told today Its abundant history revealed trip will be mailed early next year. Showed just how much it had grown. For all the world to see. An initial deposit of $50 per adult ($30 for children) will be due on As tears fill my joyful eyes I am so happy to meet you. February 28. When I think of all of you I am so glad I came. Who took the time to look beyond The void that once was present FAMILY GROUP PHOTO And find those who are so few. Shall no longer remain. AVAILABLE I came here really believing that Whatever career path we choose Family photographer Geoffrey No one would notice us. Or mission in life we take. Parker took a group picture at the Because we're just a small part Our roots are firmly planted. 2003 family reunion banquet. You showed why With the White family stake. Geoffrey has graciously agreed to family means so much make copies of the picture available Today, I embraced my family. for your purchase. The price of the Nana and Pop Pop Ashton A feeling of pure and natural delight. 8" x 12" color picture is $12.00. To Would have loved to meet you all. The legacy of my family continues. purchase a copy, please send your Aunt Ruth and Uncle Bobby Through the souls of check for $12.00 made payable to Would have really had a "ball." William and Isabella White. Geoffrey Parker to Geoffrey Parker, P.O. Box 1656, Warsaw, Virginia Our history is rich with love Linda Wyatt-Simpson 22572. And influential social change. Great Grandaughter of With Hezekiah's pastorship Hezekiah Rufus White Let's remember the fun, And Portia's musical fame. July 31, 2003 Remember the love, Cherish every smile, hug and tear. Through slavery and Civil War And as our family grows older Determination ruled. Our memories will grow dearer Year after year after year. With God's guidance and strength Our perseverance grew. From The Family Reunion Planner By Donna Beasley

Page 3 2004 RELATIVE TIDBITS

Oscar Parker, Jr. and Phyllis Lorraine Johnson were Michael received the award on October 13, 2003, at married on April 26, 2003, in Newtown, Virginia. Oscar Virginia Governor Mark Warner's Executive Mansion in is the son of Evelyn Taylor Parker. Richmond. Michael holds bachelor's and master's degrees in mathematics from Virginia State University, Senator was awarded an honorary and is the son of Evelyn Taylor Parker. Doctor of Laws degree by in May of 2003. A Dalhousie Law School alumnus, Donnie Community theatre is alive and well in Warsaw, practiced law in Halifax for 36 years and was a part- Virginia! Several family members recently appeared in time professor at the Dalhousie Law School for 14 a new play: From Despair to Victory: An Incredible years. He was appointed to the in Journey. Written and directed by Warsaw resident 1990. Donnie is the son of the late Helena White Oliver Meta Sampson, it premiered in October of 2003 as part and grandson of the late Reverend William Andrew of an elegant dinner theatre evening. The sold-out White. performance was held at the Julia G. Page Community Center. Family members in the show included Beatrice Jessica Oliver and Richard Taylor were married on Ball, Tammy Gray, Evelyn Parker, Geoffrey Parker, June 20, 2003. Jessica is the daughter of the late David Annie Tate, Anthony Taylor, Margaret Taylor, and Oliver and granddaughter of the late Helena White Cynthia Taylor. Evelyn, Geoffrey, and Margaret had Oliver. major roles in this riveting drama. Carson Boyne, the son of Lynda White-Boyne and Robin White and Thomas Bowles were married on Everton Boyne made his debut as a print model before November 15, 2003, in Richmond, Virginia. Robin is his second birthday. He was featured in the 2003 Toys the daughter of Verdell White and granddaughter of the R Us catalog modeling a sleeper. Carson, the grandson late Albert White. of the late John "Jack" White, just turned 3 in October. Gracie J. White received the 2003 Citizen of the Year Chris White and Mary Gick were married in Ottawa on Award from the Delta Omega (Fort Lee, Virginia) June 21, 2003. Following a two-week honeymoon in Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Presented in Ireland, Chris and Mary motored to Richmond for the November 2003, the award was given in "recognition of White Family Reunion. outstanding and loyal support and service to the community and to mankind." Gracie is the wife of Thurman Davis retired in July of 2003 as the Deputy Andrew Jackson White, Sr. Administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). GSA is an independent agency Kyra Patterson was married to Oliver S. Parker III on of the executive branch with more than 13,000 December 10, 2003. The two lovebirds met on employees. Thurman worked for GSA for more than 40 December 10, 1999, while enjoying a night out with friends. Kyra recently started working as a payroll years, and served as its number two official from 1995 coordinator for Hogan & Hartson LLP in Washington, until his retirement. During his tenure at GSA Thurman D.C. Oliver is a Prince Georges County, Maryland won multiple awards and citations, including the rank of police officer. Kyra is the daughter of Vanessa Patterson Distinguished Executive, the highest recognition and granddaughter of Esther Harris Patterson. awarded to a career federal executive. At a retirement luncheon in his honor Linda White Hall and his brother David Wells won two first-place prizes in a photog- gave Thurman a tribute and Linda presented him with raphy competition held by his employer Safelight Auto a gift from the White family. Thurman is the husband Glass. Two of his photographs took first place awards of Loretta White Davis. in two of the four categories in this annual contest. One of David's winning entries was a picture of Richmond's Michael A. Parker, an assistant professor of math- Canal Walk taken during the 2003 White Family ematics at Norfolk State University, received a Reunion. The first, second, and third place photographs "Programs that Work" Award from the Virginia Math in each category were featured in a nationally and Science Coalition. Michael was recognized for distributed 2004 calendar. David is the first person innovation in teaching mathematics for a program that ever to win two first places in the competition. A $450 he designed, "Learning PATCH (Pre-Algebra, Algebra, prize accompanied the award. David, who has been Trigonometry, Calculus Holistically)." The program involved in photography professionally and as a hobby targets students who have traditionally lacked the since he was 15 years old, is employed in sales for background to be successful in college mathematics. Safelight. He is the son of Juanita Taylor Wells.

Page 4 2004

Lauren Bladen-White created an anti-war slogan that daughter of Andrew Harris, and the granddaughter of has attracted national and international attention. Fanny Harris and the late Henry Clay Harris, Sr. Lauren is the office manager for the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), the Quaker lobby E. Carl Lawrence was profiled in the August 2004 presence in Washington, DC. She penned the slogan issue of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery to express FCNL's response to the aggression that Newsletter. Carl, who is the Board's Applications followed the September 11, 2001, attacks. Lauren's Manager, has worked for ABPS since 1993, and is its "War is Not the Answer" has appeared on banners, second longest-serving employee. He lives in El bumper stickers, buttons, and other paraphernalia. It Cerrito, California, and is the son of the late Mabel has been featured on CNN, NBC, CBS, ABC, etc., and White Lawrence. was seen in the movie Fahrenheit 911. Lauren is the Tony Hall,15, son of Dywane and Linda White Hall, has daughter of Bessida Cauthorne White and Philip been elected Sophomore Class President (Class of Bladen, and the granddaughter of Randolph White. 2007) at West Springfield High School, Springfield, Virginia. Lisa Sicard and Nathan Hollis were married on May 25, 2004. Family members attending the nuptials in Allen White, 16, a sophomore at West Point High Suffolk, England included Lisa's sister Erika Sicard, School, West Point, Virginia, is president of his class who was her maid of honor, her father Wendell Sicard, and president of the school's band. He has held the and her aunts Pat Reade and Wendy Clayton. Pat and position of class president every year since 8th grade. A Wendy went on to Paris before returning to Nova member of the marching band, Allen was recently Scotia. Lisa is the daughter of the late Evelyn Clarke tapped into the National Honor Society. Allen is the son Sicard and granddaughter of the late Nettie White of Verdell and Linda White, and grandson of the late Clarke. Albert C. White.

In June 2004, Sheila White, of , ran as a New George Alfred White celebrated his 85th birthday on Democratic Party of Canada candidate for Parliament. September 8, 2004, with an intimate luncheon at home She tripled support for her party in the area and ran a in Baltimore with his immediate family and a few close strong third place campaign in a field of five candidates. friends. His daughter Marlene White Baskerville and In running for political office, Shelia continued an old her son James flew in from Stone Mountain, Georgia to family tradition. Her father, the late Bill White, was the surprise him. first black person to run for political office in Canada, running in the federal riding of Spadina in 1949. Award-winning poet, playwright, and screenwriter was the 2004 recipient of the Family members Lori Roddam, 21, and Rebekah Black Theatre Workshop's annual Martin Luther King, Roddam, 20, daughters of John and Holly Roddam, Jr. Achievement Award. The award is given to a had a very active summer, driving all over the continent. "person whose life has a measure of distinction in Leaving Shoreline, Washington, on July 1, they went to Canada and who has made significant national California, Oregon, Las Vegas, Texas, New Orleans, contribution to the development of the Black performing Orlando, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Washington arts and cultural life." In presenting the award to DC, New Jersey, Montreal, , New George Elliot Clarke at a gala in Montreal in February, Brunswick, , Toronto, Ohio, Michigan, the Black Theatre Workshop described him as "an Winnipeg, Mount Rushmore, and across Montana and outstanding luminary in Canada's cultural milieu." Idaho to Seattle, arriving home on August 31. They George Elliott Clarke also received the National visited friends and family members whenever possible, Magazine Gold Medal for Poetry in 2002 and the probably spending the most time in Nova Scotia where Estelle and Ludwig Jus Memorial Human Rights Award they grew up and where they still have the most in 2004. George has two new books published this relatives, including their beloved grandparents, Lome year. Sins and Innocence: Essay and Memoirs was and Mary White. published last month. His first novel, George and Rue: A Novel in Blackened English, will soon be released by Kaliista Cadden recently started a new job as a Resi- Harper Collins. George is the son of Bill Clarke and dential Counselor at Rappahannock Community grandson of the late Nettie White Clarke. Services Board in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Kaliista received a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies The White family is featured twice in the from Virginia State University in 2001. She is the October/November 2004 issue of Reunions Magazine. The 2003 White Family Achievement Questionnaire is

Page 5 "Decew&ex, 2004 reproduced in full and is the subject of a whole-page the party with them. Mary Ellen was presented with article. The White family's biennial auction is numerous gifts including a framed birthday message prominently mentioned in an article on reunion fund- that was signed by all of her guests. Guests were raising tips. Reunions Magazine is published six times presented with bookmarks with Mary Ellen's picture as a year and is the leading American periodical on they left the party. A good time was had by all! reunions. Jimmy Byrd, aka "Early Byrd," has a website that is a Karen Dillard is happy to have finally realized the virtual tour of the history of rhythm and blues and "American Dream." She has purchased her first home - gospel music. Jimmy, who was one of the pioneering in Boston. Karen has also finally visited her ultimate black on-air radio personalities, is a walking reference travel destinations - Bermuda and Maui. And, she is on these genres. His site features a chronology of his starting a new job as a product manager for an career in the entertainment industry, a photo gallery, American division of British Telecom. Karen is the books in which Jimmy is featured, a store with "Early daughter of Stanley and Bernice Dillard. Byrd" paraphernalia, and links to other relevant sites. Visit Jimmy at www. earlybyrd.com. Austin Hall, 13, son of Dywane and Linda White Hall, has been selected as a percussionist in the Symphonic Help Yourself! There's a God's Mighty Plenty, the Band of Washington Irving Middle School in Springfield, Cauthorne-Brooks family cookbook, was featured in the Virginia. The Symphonic band is the most advanced of November/December 2004 issue of Black Issues Book Irving's four concert bands. Austin is an 8th grader. Review, a literary magazine. Edited by Bessida Cauthorne White and Herman Brooks, the book was Leanne White, 17, is a member of the National Honor also the winner of a 2000 Special Merit Award from the Society and the marching band at West Point High Mcllhenny Corporation, maker of Tabasco Sauce. School, West Point, Virginia. She is involved in competition cheerleading as a part of an all-district Malika Blair White made her debut as a visual artist on team that is now involved in regional competition. November 10, 2004, at the Montgomery County, Leanne who is a senior, is the daughter of Verdell and Maryland, Department of Recreation office. Malika's Linda White, and granddaughter of the late Albert C. artwork is entitled "A Colorful Fall Day," and her White. medium is acrylic. Also, after trying out against other students in her 5th grade class, Malika was one of Robyn Clarke is an interior decorator in Toronto. Her three students selected for Honors Chorus. Malika, who design of her own condo was featured in the October is the daughter of Brian Trigg and Genny White, was 10 2004 issue of Style at Home, Canada's decorating years old on November 16. magazine. Robyn's home is featured on the cover of the magazine and in a six-page article. She is the Sarah Lawrence "S"elebrated her retirement and daughter of the late Ernest Clarke and granddaughter sixty-first birthday on November 14, 2004, at the of the late Nettie White Clarke. Brookside Country Club, Pasadena, California. Sarah's Successes were Selebrated with , Spoken In the beautiful setting of Big Sur, California, Amanda word, Steppen'to Soulful Sounds, and Suprises. Sarah White and Steve Belkin were married on October 16, is the daughter of the late Mabel White Lawrence. 2004. The four-day celebration, from October 14 through 17, was attended by 130 guests from Canada Lome and Mary White celebrated their 49th wedding and the USA, as well as Bangkok, Thailand, and anniversary on November 19, 2004. For their Stockholm, Sweden. The couple honeymooned for two anniversary they spent a super evening at the Ramada weeks in Amsterdam, Tuscany, and Paris before Hotel in Halifax joining in with the Black Cultural Centre returning to their home in Los Angeles, California. as it celebrated its 21st year of existence. Amanda is the daughter of Romney White, and The Ontario Chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade granddaughter of Vivian White and the late Bill White. Unionists (CBTU) has named an award in memory of John "Jack" White (1925-2002). Jack was a founding Following her 79th birthday on October 29, Mary Ellen member of CBTU, and a pioneer in the labor movement White Dungee was feted at a surprise birthday party in Canada. The Jack White Service Award has been on October 30 at her home in Newport News, Virginia. presented twice, most recently on November 20 at the She was expecting to go out to dinner with her niece organization's annual dinner dance. Jack was the son Bessida White. Instead, a group of 15 family and of the Reverend William Andrew White. friends descended upon her home bringing dinner and

Page 6 2004

On November 21, Andrias White, 14, performed as a born contralto Portia White, took place at the Eastern bassoonist with the Richmond Symphony Youth Front Theatre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in February of Concert Orchestra at the Carpenter Center for the this year. Portia redefined classical singing and Performing Arts in Richmond, Virginia. Andrias is a 9tth achieved international recognition as both soloist and grader in the Music Specialty Center at Thomas Dale music teacher. This new work by award winning High School in Chester, Virginia. She plays saxophone playwright Lance Woolaver dramatically explores in her school's marching band and sings both in her Portia's pursuit of musical excellence through her school's gospel choir and her church's youth choir. relationships with her immediate family and her vocal Andrias is the daughter of Andy and Sheryl White, and teacher Ernesto Vinci. the granddaughter of Andrew Jackson and Grade White. The premiere, which was delayed for two days because of a blizzard in Halifax, was attended by a Adrian Byrd-Pena has just been appointed Director of large contingent of Portia's family. Those attending Human Resources for the Experience Learning included Lome and Mary White, Yvonne White, Vivian Community in Seattle, Washington. Founded by White, Chris White and Mary Gick, Gerry and Sandra Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, this nonprofit Clarke, Danielle and Fiance Nick, Pat Reade, Wendy corporation operates the Experience Music Project Clayton, Lee and Pauline Case, and Shelly, John, and which is an interactive music museum, and the Science Rachel Price. Portia White - First You Dream achieved Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame. Adrian, who is the the best box office results of any production in the daughter of Jimmy Byrd, holds a bachelor's degree history of Eastern Front Theatre. from Boston College and a master's degree from Harvard. NEW BOOK LAUNCHED ABOUT PORTIA WHITE Andrew Jackson "Jack" White has served as a In Toronto, Canada, on October 23, 2004, White pastor of Baptist churches in central Virginia for fifty family members attended the launch of a children's years. On Saturday, December 4, 2004, more than 700 book about the life of Portia White. Singing Towards the Future: The Story of Portia White by Lian Goodall parishioners, family members, and friends gathered at with illustrations by Liz Milkau is a new Canadian Union Branch Baptist Church in Prince George, biography from Napoleon Publishing (ISBN Virginia, to celebrate this half century of religious 1 -894917-08-1). The 72-page hardcover book for ages dedication. The celebration was sponsored jointly by 9 - 12 is part of the "Stories of Canada" series for the two churches that Jack currently pastors, Union young readers which "explores the lives of Canadians Branch (where he has served for 39 years) and Zion who have changed the world for the better." Baptist Church, Petersburg, Virginia (where he has served for 41 years). Numerous tributes acknowledged Vivian White attended the Portia White book launch Jack's many years of service not only to the religious in Toronto with son Chris White and his wife, Mary community but to the community at large. Family Gick; daughter Sheila White and her partner Alex King; members from across Virginia and Maryland were in and daughter Laurie White. attendance at the tribute. Jack's fifty-year ministerial career was the subject of a recent feature story in The Quoting from the publisher's catalogue, "Portia Progress-Index, Petersburg's daily newspaper. He is White had a dream: to sing on stage. Even as a little the son of the late Reverend Lilbon Trigg White. girl in Halifax, Nova Scotia, she could imagine an audience before her, clapping as she took her bow. But how could a poor girl growing up in a family with ten 2004 SEES THE DEBUT OF siblings make that dream come true? At that time, Two NEW WORKS ABOUT PORTIA WHITE there were few opera roles available for Black singers. To become a recital singer, she would have to go to Portia White, the Canadian contralto, is the subject Europe to study. But Portia was not only a talented of both a musical and a children's book that debuted in contralto, she was determined. She eventually climbed 2004. Portia (1911 - 1968) was the daughter of the onto stages across Canada, the United States, and Reverend Dr. William Andrew White. Central and South America in the late 1930s and early 1940s. She crossed the colour barrier to enter concert WORLD PREMIERE OF halls and sing before white and black audiences on PORTIA WHITE - FIRST You DREAM both continents. Later, she became a teacher and mentor of other well-known and successful singers." The world premiere of Portia White - First You Dream, a new musical about the life of Nova Scotia By Sheila White

Page 7 Oscar Parker and Loraine Johnson April 26, 2003

Jessica Oliver and Richard Tyler Chris White and Mary Gick June 20, 2003 June 21, 2003

Kyra Patterson and Oliver Parker December 10, 2003

Robin White and Thomas Bowles November 15, 2003

Lisa Sicard and Nathan Hollis Amanda White and Stevie Belkin May 25, 2004 October 16, 2004 2004

NEW MEMBERS OF THE CLAN IN MEMORIAM

The White family is delighted to welcome the We pause to fondly remember the following de- following new arrivals, who were born since the parted members of the White family: publication of the last newsletter: Gladys Cauthorne White Benjamin Nathan Riley Hollis, born February 22, September 25, 1912 - May 11, 2003 2003, to Lisa Sicard and Nathan Hollis. Benjamin is the wife of Randolph Cuyler White grandson of the late Evelyn Clarke Sicard and great grandson of the late Nettie White Clarke. John Robert Roy May 15, 1934 - May 11, 2003 Aurea Monique Brown, born May 29, 2003, to Twyla son of Hattie Temple Harris Roy Gray and Terry Brown. Aurea is the granddaughter of Vera Rich, and great granddaughter of Hilda Robinson. Sarah Harvey Turpin September 5, 1915 - June 21, 2003 Shyanna Renee Swinney, born June 10, 2003, to daughter of Daisy Taylor Harvey *" Michelle Tripp and Sidney Swinney. Shyanna is the granddaughter of Kimberly Goeins, and great Andrew Junior Roy granddaughter of Celistine "Penny" Turpin Moors. April 28, 1938 - September 12, 2003 son of Hattie Temple Harris Roy Demetreus Jamarcus Parker, born October 31,2003, to Oscar and Phyllis Parker. Demetreus is the grand- Franklin James Hall son of Evelyn Taylor Parker. November 5,1913 - October 3, 2003 husband of Dorothy White Hall Aniya Sheree Taylor-Newton, born February 29, 2004, to Krystal Taylor and Antoine Newton. Aniya is Delores Brown Harris the granddaughter of Anthony and Cynthia Taylor and September 9, 1928 - November 2, 2003 great granddaughter of Tommy and Margaret Taylor. wife of Henry Clay Harris, Jr.

Kaleb, Xavier Robinson, born March 21, 2004, to Albert Clinton White Janita Robinson. Kaleb is the grandson of Vera Rich September 24, 1909 - December 10, 2003 and great grandson of Hilda Robinson. son of Lilbon Trigg White, Sr.

Also, we welcome the following arrivals who were not Virginia Diggs White reported to The White Family Focus in time for the last newsletter: August 30, 1910 - February 22, 2004 wife of Clifford F. White Montaya Patterson, born September 12, 2002, to Tyrique Patterson. Montaya is the granddaughter of Carolyn Bundy Hampden Patricia Patterson, great granddaughter of Esther May 25, 1943 - July 18, 2004 Harris, and great great granddaughter of Charlie Harris. daughter of June White Donaldson

T'nya Ariana Meade, born November 30, 2002, to Tione Meade and Barbara Clarke. T'nya is the granddaughter of the late George Wendell Meade, and great granddaughter of George Thomas Meade.

The image above is a cosmogram from the Bakongo culture of central Africa. PageS The cosmogram represents the cycles of human life.