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.
Today the Historic Sites & Monument Board of Canada unveiled a plaque commemorating the national historic significance of Viola Desmond at the former Roseland Theatre on Viola’s Way. pic.twitter.com/Q23xCUTGif
— Town of New Glasgow (@NewGlasgowNS) August 12, 2022
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.