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
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
New charges for Ont. woman who previously admitted to defrauding doulas
The Brantford, Ont. woman who was previously sentenced to house arrest after admitting to deceiving doulas has been charged again in connection to a new victim.