Civil rights pioneer Viola Desmond commemorated at site of her 1946 arrest in N.S.
Canadian civil rights pioneer Viola Desmond was commemorated Friday at a former theatre in Nova Scotia where she was arrested for sitting in a whites-only section more than 75 years ago.
A plaque that recognizes Desmond's national historic significance was revealed by Parks Canada during a ceremony in New Glasgow, N.S.
Desmond was forcibly arrested while watching a movie at the former Roseland Theatre on Nov. 8, 1946. The theatre was segregated at that time, with Black patrons relegated to the balcony while floor seating was reserved for whites.
In a news release, federal Immigration Minister Sean Fraser, who participated in the ceremony, said Desmond's courage and "unwavering commitment to equal rights" has helped to shape the country.
"Her legacy is as important today as it has ever been, as we continue the work to combat racism," said Fraser. "I encourage all Canadians to learn more about Viola Desmond's significant role in our country's history."
Desmond, who was killing time while waiting to have her car repaired during a business trip, was short-sighted and sat in the floor section of the Roseland in order to see the screen properly. When she refused to leave, she was dragged from the theatre by police.
After her arrest, she was left in jail for 12 hours before being fined $26 for tax evasion. The fine, based on the one-cent difference in tax paid for floor and balcony tickets, was the only way local authorities could legally justify Desmond's jailing. Desmond, who died in 1965, was given a posthumous apology and pardon for her arrest by the province in April 2010.
Her courageous act occurred nearly a decade before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Alabama. Slow to be recognized, the Halifax businesswoman's contribution to the fight for civil rights has steadily gained more attention in recent years.
Canada Post issued a stamp featuring Desmond, while a Halifax harbour ferry is named after her along with a Toronto park and streets in Montreal and New Glasgow.
She was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2017 and a $10 bill bearing her likeness was issued in November 2018. Desmond was the first Black person -- and the first non-royal woman -- on a regularly circulating Canadian banknote.
Parks Canada says its national program of commemoration is largely driven by public nominations. To date, more than 2,200 such designations have been made across Canada.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 12, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.