We recently connected with Portia White and have shared our conversation below.
Portia, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
I believe my generosity stems from various influences. As an arts administrator and teaching artist, my work is driven by a desire to positively impact lives through the arts. I don’t necessarily identify with the label of “generous”; rather, I feel a sense of obligation to engage in this work to help create a better world. It may sound cliche’, but I truly believe that’s our purpose as humans. My conviction that the world has everything we need, provided we nurture and care for it properly, empowers me to give of myself freely and without worry. Growing up surrounded by generous individuals and ending up with an amazingly generous life partner, has undoubtedly shaped my approach to life. “Generosity” is less about financial contributions and more about offering one’s time, commitment, compassion and heartfelt presence.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As the Artistic Director of Genesis Arts Kentucky, Inc., my goal is to provide arts programming primarily for youth and older adults. We offer participants opportunities to step outside of their routines, express themselves without inhibition, and truly experience joy through creating art. Through engaging experiences and weekly classes offered in visual art, dance, creative movement and storytelling, Genesis Arts reaches individuals in Louisville’s West End and neighboring communities. The West End is often viewed as a neighborhood that others are afraid to visit. Even my friends sometimes ask “Why do you stay?” Reflecting on my past responses, I realize I haven’t been completely honest. I stay because of my love for my community and the incredible richness that it offers and I want to add to that richness. In an area that spans approximately 5 miles by 2 miles along the Ohio River, there are dozens of accomplished artists of color, along with many more creative individuals who may not even recognize their artistic potential. We have beautiful parks, including one designed by Frederick Olmsted. Despite crime statistics, there are people here who genuinely care for one another. Additionally, numerous organizations, community centers and schools are dedicated to uplifting our community through resource sharing and education.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three qualities that have had the most significant impact on my journey are open-mindedness, compassion, and a strong desire for personal growth – both spiritually and artistically. I believe that my early involvement in dance traing, along with exploration of other disciplines, has fostered these qualities, which might not have developed as fully without my dance background. My advice to others is to embrace what brings you joy and allow it to guide your path.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
I was raised by my mother, Dolores White, and maternal grandparents Emmanuel & Lucille Martin. They worked hard to shield me and my two older brothers from feeling the absence of our father, who left when I was just eight months old and my brothers were five and three. The most impactful thing my village did for us was to create a truly loving home atmosphere. While things weren’t perfect, I was instilled with a strong sense of belonging through my connections to the community. My family fostered friendships with people from diverse cultures and economic backgrounds. Food also played a central role in our household; meals were prepared daily and we gathered to eat together most evenings. Meeting my father in 2005 after so many years, stirred emotions that I had tucked away. This made me recognize both what was missing and the incredible foundation my family had given me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://genesisartsky.com
- Facebook: Genesis Arts Kentucky, Inc.
Image Credits
Julia Youngblood
Marvin Young
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