ATLANTIC

First February holiday in N.S. will recognize Viola Desmond

THE CANADIAN PRESS Published Monday, February 17, 2014 12:19PM AST Last Updated Monday, February 17, 2014 12:25PM AST

Viola Desmond, who was granted a special pardon after she was jailed for sitting in a whites-only section of a movie theatre in 1946, is seen in this undated handout photo.

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HALIFAX - The first February holiday in Nova Scotia will recognize Viola Desmond, a black woman who was jailed and fined in 1946 for refusing to give up her seat in the whites-only section of a New Glasgow movie theatre.

The provincial government made the announcement as it launched a naming campaign for the holiday, which begins on the third Monday in February of next year.

Students from Primary to Grade 12 classes are invited to come up with a general name for the holiday intended to instill pride in Nova Scotia.

The government says submissions should also recognize a significant cultural or historic contribution to the province.

Labour Minister Kelly Regan says each year, the holiday will celebrate a different contribution to Nova Scotia's past.

The name of the new holiday and the next 12 contributions to be honoured are expected to be announced before the end of the school year.

Each class can submit entries until March 28 and a panel will review them and recommend names to Regan.