Hailey B.

Viola Desmond

Hailey B.
Regina Regional Heritage Fair
Regina, SK

Viola Desmond was a Canadian business woman and a civil rights activist. She is famously known for refusing to leave the “whites only” section in a movie theatre. Viola Desmond took her case to court to fight for her rights to sit where she could see best. Her husband advised her against going to court and told her to “take it to the lord in prayer.” insinuating she should just drop the case. In the end Viola Desmond lost her appeal; though her stand against injustice inspired Nova Scotia’s Black community and helped inspire Canada’s civil rights movement. Viola Desmond's case was recognised in 2010 when Lieutenant Governor General of Nova Scotia pardoned her, removing her case from the historical record. In 2018 she became the first Canadian woman on the Canadian $10 bill. 

Viola Desmond was a simple beauty worker in a blacks-only salon. She was only 32 years old when she stood up for the rights of black people even though all odds were against her. She shows that even the smallest act can make the biggest difference. Her act of standing up changed black people’s rights all over Canada. It is very admirable to remain brave and do what is right when you and your family are being threatened with physical harm. It even ended up costing Viola her marriage. Viola had to live through many losses to prove what was right as she didn’t get pardoned until after her death. That is who Viola Desmond is–an admirable, strong individual. 

What sources and evidence did you consult for your project? What different perspectives did they provide on your topic?

• The Canadian Encyclopedia - https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en
• Government of Canada - https://www.canada.ca/en.html
• Canadian Museum for Human Rights - https://humanrights.ca/

What is the historical significance of your topic?

At that time in New Glasgow in 1946 times were very different. Black people did not have the same rights as white people did. Black people were expected to travel to use Black-only bathrooms, there were whites-only policies in restaurants, theatres and public spaces. Black Canadians were segregated, and treated unfairly which is the short term impact Viola lived and died with. The long-term impact is that she helped start the Civil Rights Movement in Nova Scotia which led to the end of legal segregation. Viola was affected by having to live with the disappointment of her loss and the end of her marriage, her family was affected by the case. Most importantly Black Canadians were affected with the segregation laws and eventually with the change of said law.  

Why did you choose this topic? 

I chose this topic because she was a women's activist in a time where men were mostly holding power. Viola showed that women are just as powerful. This is important even today with women still having to fight for equal rights. I think it's so important that everyone is treated equally no matter their skin tone, gender, culture, beliefs. Viola fought for the rights of black people, it is frustrating to still see people of colour being treated differently because of their skin tones. The message I want people to know is we all bleed red, meaning no matter what race, culture, politics, gender or status we all have the same biology and should have the same rights.