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Author Event with Sheila White

The Letters: Postmark Prejudice in Black and White

Author Sheila White will present her novel, The Letters: Postmark Prejudice in Black and White, a biographical novel about the courtship and marriage of her white mother and Black father in 1947.

This biographical novel is set in Nova Scotia and Toronto and references characters and events significant in Canadian history, among them The Halifax Explosion; No. 2 Construction Battalion and its chaplain, Rev. Captain Dr. William Andrew White, who was the author's grandfather; internationally acclaimed classical singer Portia White, and civil rights icon Viola Desmond.

Vivian Keeler is an intelligent, attractive and determined white woman from a traditional Nova Scotia family who risks it all by falling in love with a Black man. Billy White is a charismatic and gifted member of a prominent Black family; he’s the brother of celebrated classical singer Portia White and the son of a renowned Black minister who garnered fame as an officer during the First World War. Vivian and Billy meet at a lunch counter in Halifax. During the next several months their casual friendship blossoms into romance. But the courtship that follows unleashes a torrent of racist rants that expose the pervasive bigotry of the late 1940s. The Letters: Postmark Prejudice in Black and White chronicles a passion that transcends deeply rooted taboos and sparks an orchestrated campaign to persuade Vivian “not to marry outside her race.” As the pressure mounts, Vivian and Billy find strength in their shared affection. But will it be enough to overcome their own doubts about the viability of a future together?

About the Author:

Sheila White was awarded the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal on September 27, 2022.  Sheila was also the Chair of the Communications and Community Engagement Subcommittee of the National Apology Advisory Committee leading up to the Prime Minister's July 9, 2022, apology for the systemic anti-black racism faced by members of the segregated, all black No. 2 Construction Battalion during the First World War.  Sheila is a talented musician, community champion, skilled politico, environmentalist and lay chaplain, now adds author to her impressive list of accomplishments. 

Registration is required.

Skills learned: Critical thinking, Communication, Information literacy, Social skills

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