New biographical novel tells an important Canadian story of love and race
A book launch with a twist hits Toronto this summer
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TORONTO, July 17, 2023 – Sheila White’s biographical novel, The Letters: Postmark Prejudice in Black and White, launches here Wednesday (July 18) with a twist: In addition to the traditional reception and reading by the author, the event features a unique collection of vintage photographs and other rare items relating to Canadian Black history of the 1940s.
The Letters tells the story of the controversial 1947 marriage in Toronto of Vivian Keeler, the author’s white mother, and Bill White, her Black father. Every artifact on display at the launch, at the Don Heights Unitarian Congregation at 18 Wynford Drive, is authentic and relates to the story. |
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“My mother received letters 75 years ago, all of which she saved. Family and friends were desperate to dissuade her from marrying outside of her race,” White says. “Having inspired this book, their letters now have a higher purpose - promoting racial equality and harmony.”
The actual letters are part of the exhibit. Among the other items are:
Since its publication last month, The Letters has garnered worldwide interest, with book sellers across North America and in Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia promoting the book.
Ed Shiller, whose Yorkland Publishing published The Letters, calls the work “a beacon of hope, especially today when bigotry is on the rise and democracy and social justice are under siege.”
“It is also a reminder,” he said, “that the struggle for social justice never ends, that any progress thus far attainted – including Vivian and Bill’s contribution – can only be sustained through constant vigilance, and that complacency inevitably leads to regression.”
The Letters is available through local bookstores. It can also be purchased on Amazon and from Yorkland Publishing’s website: www.yorklandpublishing.com.
The actual letters are part of the exhibit. Among the other items are:
- A book containing the first race relations course to be developed for young people by the United Church of Canada in 1946
- “Lantern plates,” glass photo negatives, portraying the co-founders of the Emancipation Day Picnic in Toronto ’s High Park, Black community pillars Dr. Oscar and Leona Brewton
- A rare, groundbreaking book, A Guide to The Study of the Negro in American History by Professor Merl R. Eppse, 1937
- A hand-painted fan, a prop from the all-Black production of The Mikado by the Toronto Negro Choral Society in 1949
- The 1949 federal election campaign scrapbook of Bill White, the author’s father and the first Black in Canada to be a federal candidate
- A Second World War military rejection slip issued on racial grounds
Since its publication last month, The Letters has garnered worldwide interest, with book sellers across North America and in Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia promoting the book.
Ed Shiller, whose Yorkland Publishing published The Letters, calls the work “a beacon of hope, especially today when bigotry is on the rise and democracy and social justice are under siege.”
“It is also a reminder,” he said, “that the struggle for social justice never ends, that any progress thus far attainted – including Vivian and Bill’s contribution – can only be sustained through constant vigilance, and that complacency inevitably leads to regression.”
The Letters is available through local bookstores. It can also be purchased on Amazon and from Yorkland Publishing’s website: www.yorklandpublishing.com.
Sheila White Awarded Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal
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TRURO, NS (July 8, 2022) Communications and race relations expert Sheila White will be among the recipients of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee medal, Nova Scotia Lieutenant Governor Arthur LeBlanc has announced. White is being recognized for her work as Chair of Communications and Community Engagement for the National Apology Advisory Committee (NAAC). NAAC was established by the Government of Canada to guide a process of reconciliation for the systemic racism experienced by Blacks in the military during the First World War. The seven-month committee assignment has led to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's official apology to descendants of the segregated, all-Black, No. 2 Construction Battalion tomorrow (July 9) in Truro where the historic ceremony is being held.
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Sheila White receives Canada 150 medal for outstanding community work
TORONTO (March 2, 2018) Sheila White was recognized by her Member of Parliament as one of hundreds honoured for outstanding contributions to the community. She received her Canada 150 medal at a ceremony in her hometown at her former high school, Agincourt Collegiate Institute.
After her name was read out and she was called to come forward, presiding Scarborough North MP Shaun Chen made bowing gestures in her direction, a nod to White's well-known leadership on community issues.
As well as championing litter prevention through her website and weekly newsletter, White most recently fronted a local fight against parkland expropriation. She had served as a community executive member for more than 20 years including four years as its president. She developed a litter prevention "edu-tainment" program for Toronto schools, playing on her talents as a writer, musician, songwriter and performer.
Sheila White has appeared in two documentary films, two feature-length documentaries and has appeared on radio and television in various capacities, as a political pundit, litter prevention expert, race relations commentator, storyteller and curator.
In February of this year White curated a special Black History Month exhibit about her famous concert singing aunt, Portia White, marking the 50th anniversary of her passing. Watch the CBC news story here.
In her spare time White leads a community choir and a mentoring group for songwriters.
After her name was read out and she was called to come forward, presiding Scarborough North MP Shaun Chen made bowing gestures in her direction, a nod to White's well-known leadership on community issues.
As well as championing litter prevention through her website and weekly newsletter, White most recently fronted a local fight against parkland expropriation. She had served as a community executive member for more than 20 years including four years as its president. She developed a litter prevention "edu-tainment" program for Toronto schools, playing on her talents as a writer, musician, songwriter and performer.
Sheila White has appeared in two documentary films, two feature-length documentaries and has appeared on radio and television in various capacities, as a political pundit, litter prevention expert, race relations commentator, storyteller and curator.
In February of this year White curated a special Black History Month exhibit about her famous concert singing aunt, Portia White, marking the 50th anniversary of her passing. Watch the CBC news story here.
In her spare time White leads a community choir and a mentoring group for songwriters.
Sheila White to receive 2014 African Canadian Achievement Award
The Selection Committee of the African Canadian Achievement Awards of Excellence (ACAA) proudly announces the 2014 recipients of its prestigious group of awards.
The ACAA, which was founded and established in 1985, recognizes and honours exemplary, high-achieving African Canadians, who have excelled in a diverse array of vocations and professions, during Black History Month. During its 28-year history the ACAA has paid tribute to over 350 prominent African Canadians, who provide excellent role models for the community's youth.
The 15 awardees for 2014 are:
> Excellence in Arts/Entertainment: Cameron Bailey, Artistic Director of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF);
> Excellence in Business: Steve Kirton is the President of the Barbados Ball Canada Aid (BBCA) and the former Vice President of Credit Risk Management & Strategic Initiatives at the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC);
> Excellence in Community Service: Itah Sadu is an award-winning children's author, entrepreneur and community volunteer;
> Excellence in Education: Dr. Elizabeth Sinclair-Artwell is a superintendant of Education with Peel Region;
> Excellence in Law: Justice Kofi Barnes is an Ontario Superior Court judge;
> Excellence in Media: Nick Davis is the Manager of program development for CBC Radio;
> Excellence in Medicine: Camille Orridge is the Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Central (TC) Local Health Integration Network (LHIN);
> Excellence in Parenting: John and Avril Mills are successful parents of Emily, Courtney and Adrine;
> Excellence in Politics: Sheila White, President of WORDS Media & Communications Inc., is a former advisor to the NDP’s Howard Hampton and Andrea Horwath and Mel Lastman, when he was mayor of the former city of North York;
> Excellence in Religion: Bishop Peter Fenty, is the first Bishop of African descent within the Anglican Church of Canada;
> Excellence in Science: Patrice Smith PhD is a professor and neuroscientist, specializing in research in molecular mechanisms mediating repair of the damaged central nervous system;
> Excellence in Sports: Dr. Ivan Joseph is the Director of Athletics at Ryerson University;
> Youth Achievement Award: Yahaya Baruwa, 25, is a psychology student and author;
> Founder's Award: Gordon Cressy is the President of the George Brown College Foundation and former CEO of the United Way.
> Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. B. George Blake, a retired clinical psychologist, is also a storyteller and former Buddhist monk.
The 2014 ACAA recipients will be presented with their awards at a gala, which will be held on Saturday, February 22 at the Jane Mallett Theatre, inside the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, 27 Front Street, East, in downtown Toronto.
ABOUT THE ACAA
The African Canadian Achievement Awards (ACAA), which has evolved into one of the most-anticipated and prestigious events in the African-Canadian community, was founded in 1985 -- and is organized annually -- by Pride News Magazine, a weekly African-Canadian and Caribbean-Canadian newspaper.
Among the stalwarts and high-achievers, who have been recipients of the ACAA are:
Jazz Great, Oscar Peterson; Rosemary Brown, Canada’s first African Canadian female MPP; Hon. Alvin Curling, former MPP for Scarborough-North and Canadian Ambassador to the Dominican Republic; Lincoln Alexander, Ontario’s former lieutenant-governor; Julius Isaac, former chief justice of the Federal Court of Canada; Hon Louise Bennett-Coverley, storyteller extraordinaire; Austin Clarke, award-winning author; Dr. Rita Cox; Bev Salmon, former Metro Toronto councilor; Salome Bey; The late Wilson Brooks, Canada’s first African Canadian school principal; Donald Moore; Arnold Auguste, publisher of Share Newspaper; Dr. George Bancroft, educator; Harry Gairey; the Jamaican Canadian Association; Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA); The late Al Hamilton, founder of Contrast Newspaper; former Judge Maurice Charles; Human rights Lawyer Charles Roach; Stanley Grizzle, former Citizenship Judge; Jackie Richardson, actress; Dudley Laws, Chair of BAD-C; Herb Carnegie; Jo Jo Chinto, broadcaster; Human Rights activist, Bromley Armstrong; Denham Jolly, President of Milestone Communications Inc., owner of FLOW 93.5FM; Donovan Bailey, former Olympic Sprint Champion; Tropicana Community Services Association and many, many more.
For more information, please visit our website -- www.africancanadianachievementawards.com -- or call: Michael Van Cooten, Chief Executive Officer, or Joan Pierre, President and Executive Producer, at (905) 686-8868.
The ACAA, which was founded and established in 1985, recognizes and honours exemplary, high-achieving African Canadians, who have excelled in a diverse array of vocations and professions, during Black History Month. During its 28-year history the ACAA has paid tribute to over 350 prominent African Canadians, who provide excellent role models for the community's youth.
The 15 awardees for 2014 are:
> Excellence in Arts/Entertainment: Cameron Bailey, Artistic Director of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF);
> Excellence in Business: Steve Kirton is the President of the Barbados Ball Canada Aid (BBCA) and the former Vice President of Credit Risk Management & Strategic Initiatives at the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC);
> Excellence in Community Service: Itah Sadu is an award-winning children's author, entrepreneur and community volunteer;
> Excellence in Education: Dr. Elizabeth Sinclair-Artwell is a superintendant of Education with Peel Region;
> Excellence in Law: Justice Kofi Barnes is an Ontario Superior Court judge;
> Excellence in Media: Nick Davis is the Manager of program development for CBC Radio;
> Excellence in Medicine: Camille Orridge is the Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Central (TC) Local Health Integration Network (LHIN);
> Excellence in Parenting: John and Avril Mills are successful parents of Emily, Courtney and Adrine;
> Excellence in Politics: Sheila White, President of WORDS Media & Communications Inc., is a former advisor to the NDP’s Howard Hampton and Andrea Horwath and Mel Lastman, when he was mayor of the former city of North York;
> Excellence in Religion: Bishop Peter Fenty, is the first Bishop of African descent within the Anglican Church of Canada;
> Excellence in Science: Patrice Smith PhD is a professor and neuroscientist, specializing in research in molecular mechanisms mediating repair of the damaged central nervous system;
> Excellence in Sports: Dr. Ivan Joseph is the Director of Athletics at Ryerson University;
> Youth Achievement Award: Yahaya Baruwa, 25, is a psychology student and author;
> Founder's Award: Gordon Cressy is the President of the George Brown College Foundation and former CEO of the United Way.
> Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. B. George Blake, a retired clinical psychologist, is also a storyteller and former Buddhist monk.
The 2014 ACAA recipients will be presented with their awards at a gala, which will be held on Saturday, February 22 at the Jane Mallett Theatre, inside the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, 27 Front Street, East, in downtown Toronto.
ABOUT THE ACAA
The African Canadian Achievement Awards (ACAA), which has evolved into one of the most-anticipated and prestigious events in the African-Canadian community, was founded in 1985 -- and is organized annually -- by Pride News Magazine, a weekly African-Canadian and Caribbean-Canadian newspaper.
Among the stalwarts and high-achievers, who have been recipients of the ACAA are:
Jazz Great, Oscar Peterson; Rosemary Brown, Canada’s first African Canadian female MPP; Hon. Alvin Curling, former MPP for Scarborough-North and Canadian Ambassador to the Dominican Republic; Lincoln Alexander, Ontario’s former lieutenant-governor; Julius Isaac, former chief justice of the Federal Court of Canada; Hon Louise Bennett-Coverley, storyteller extraordinaire; Austin Clarke, award-winning author; Dr. Rita Cox; Bev Salmon, former Metro Toronto councilor; Salome Bey; The late Wilson Brooks, Canada’s first African Canadian school principal; Donald Moore; Arnold Auguste, publisher of Share Newspaper; Dr. George Bancroft, educator; Harry Gairey; the Jamaican Canadian Association; Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA); The late Al Hamilton, founder of Contrast Newspaper; former Judge Maurice Charles; Human rights Lawyer Charles Roach; Stanley Grizzle, former Citizenship Judge; Jackie Richardson, actress; Dudley Laws, Chair of BAD-C; Herb Carnegie; Jo Jo Chinto, broadcaster; Human Rights activist, Bromley Armstrong; Denham Jolly, President of Milestone Communications Inc., owner of FLOW 93.5FM; Donovan Bailey, former Olympic Sprint Champion; Tropicana Community Services Association and many, many more.
For more information, please visit our website -- www.africancanadianachievementawards.com -- or call: Michael Van Cooten, Chief Executive Officer, or Joan Pierre, President and Executive Producer, at (905) 686-8868.
New series for conferences and workshops launched in Toronto
TORONTO (SEPT. 26, 2012): Today Sheila White, President of WORDS Media & Communications Inc., announced www.sheilawhiteseminars.com, White’s program for the conference, workshop and convention sector.
White, a Toronto resident, marked the site’s launch with a notice in Inside Queen’s Park, the respected Ontario government relations newsletter published by G.P. Murray Research Limited.
“Sheila White Seminars inform as they entertain,” says White, a dynamic public relations practitioner with more than 25 years of experience in media, communications and politics. “An effective seminar enlivens as it teaches. A motivated group means a better performing team and helps the bottom line.”
sheilawhiteseminars.com offers training in a mix of subject areas - communications and government relations, for example - in workshops such as “Politicians Are People Too.”
White’s index of topics also includes Canadian Black History, the Litter Prevention Program, Campaigns & Elections and Corporate Glee. (White is also a lifelong musician.)
A former advisor to Mel Lastman, Howard Hampton, Andrea Horwath and Ontario’s NDP, the multi-talented White uses an invigorated approach to sharing what she knows, her expertise gleaned from nearly three decades as a political insider and community activist.
Using the online Bookings on sheilawhiteseminars.com, busy GTA conference planners can choose from the variety of topics described and they can review White’s extensive portfolio of credentials, successes and media clips.
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For more information, contact: (416) 321-0633
White, a Toronto resident, marked the site’s launch with a notice in Inside Queen’s Park, the respected Ontario government relations newsletter published by G.P. Murray Research Limited.
“Sheila White Seminars inform as they entertain,” says White, a dynamic public relations practitioner with more than 25 years of experience in media, communications and politics. “An effective seminar enlivens as it teaches. A motivated group means a better performing team and helps the bottom line.”
sheilawhiteseminars.com offers training in a mix of subject areas - communications and government relations, for example - in workshops such as “Politicians Are People Too.”
White’s index of topics also includes Canadian Black History, the Litter Prevention Program, Campaigns & Elections and Corporate Glee. (White is also a lifelong musician.)
A former advisor to Mel Lastman, Howard Hampton, Andrea Horwath and Ontario’s NDP, the multi-talented White uses an invigorated approach to sharing what she knows, her expertise gleaned from nearly three decades as a political insider and community activist.
Using the online Bookings on sheilawhiteseminars.com, busy GTA conference planners can choose from the variety of topics described and they can review White’s extensive portfolio of credentials, successes and media clips.
-30-
For more information, contact: (416) 321-0633