Background
White was born in North Minneapolis in 1924. His father died when he was 10 years old leaving him, the eldest of his five siblings, responsible to help take care of the family.
White was born in North Minneapolis in 1924. His father died when he was 10 years old leaving him, the eldest of his five siblings, responsible to help take care of the family.
He attended Patrick Henry High School, graduating in 1943 and later working in construction.
He was the first African-American to be elected to the Minneapolis City Council, serving from 1980–1989. He became involved with several North Minneapolis community organizations and also began working with the Minnesota Department of Economic Security. He encouraged commercial development in his North Minneapolis ward and also supported new housing developments, parks and school buildings.
White faced criticism and electoral challenges from some who felt he did not do enough to help his African-American constituents.
White died in 1993 at his home in North Minneapolis. Van White Memorial Boulevard, a street in Minneapolis"s Near North community, is named in his honor.