Portia Emily Paterson

Portia Emily Paterson was an accomplished educator, civil rights advocate and community leader whose life reflected a deep commitment to education, service and social justice. She is honored alongside her husband, Basil A. Paterson, in recognition of their shared values and lifelong partnership in advancing opportunity for others.

Portia dedicated her career to nurturing students and expanding access to education. She was a beloved third-grade teacher at PS 187 in Queens and later served as a college advisor at Bronx Community College, where she helped students navigate academic pathways and build futures rooted in possibility and self-determination.

A fierce advocate for civil rights and equity, Portia worked alongside Basil A. Paterson for more than six decades in support of causes that strengthened communities and promoted fairness and dignity. She was active in civic and service organizations, including the NAACP and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and was widely known for bringing people together through mentorship, hospitality and shared purpose.

By including Portia Emily Paterson in the name of the scholarship, the Basil and Portia Paterson Scholarship honors not only her individual contributions as an educator and advocate, but also the power of partnership in creating lasting change. Her legacy lives on through the students and home care workers supported by the scholarship’s mission.