Viola's Way by Priya Dikshit

"Do your little bit of good where you are. It's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world"

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Viola Desmond was born on July 6, 1914 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. She grew up in a large family with 10 siblings. Her father, James Albert Davis, initially worked as a stevedore before becoming a barber. Her mother, Gwendolin Irene Davis, was the daughter of a White minister and his wife.

- Viola Desmond. (2021). Encyclopedia Britannica

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Inspired by her parents’ hard work and community involvement, Viola pursued success as an independent businesswoman and She established her own beauty salon, Vi’s Studio of Beauty Culture, and became a mentor to young Black women in Nova Scotia through her Desmond School of Beauty Culture. Despite facing racial discrimination, Viola Desmond’s courageous actions continue to inspire later generations of Black individuals in Canada.

- Reynolds, G., & Robson, W. (2018). Viola Desmond: Her Life and Times. Fernwood

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Viola’s most significant act was her defiance at the Roseland Theatre in New Glasgow. On November 8, 1946, Viola visited the theatre while waiting for her car to be repaired. Unaware of the theatre’s policy, she purchased a downstairs ticket and sat in the white-only section. When she refused to move.

She was thus arrested for a minor tax violation related to a one-cent difference in seat price.

Her case highlighted the absurdity of racial discrimination.

Eventually, her legal battle became a symbol of resistance and justice.

• Bingham, R. (2021). Finding Viola: The Untrue, True Story of a Groundbreaking Female…. Journal of Women’s History, 32(4), 1-31

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During the trial, Viola Desmond was charged with attempting to defraud the provincial government. The charge was based on her alleged refusal to pay a one-cent amusement tax, which was the difference in tax between upstairs and downstairs ticket prices at the Roseland Theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. Despite the questionable legal proceedings, Desmond was found guilty of tax fraud and fined $22.

Her courageous stand against racial discrimination ultimately helped end segregation in Nova Scotia in 1954.

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Jack Desmond, Viola Desmond’s husband, was a Canadian civil rights activist and business owner. He stood by her side when she challenged racial segregation at the Roseland Theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. Jack Desmond himself had experienced mistreatment by white-skinned people while growing up in Glasgow. The Desmonds worked together, with Viola running her beauty salon and Jack operating a barbershop on Gottingen Street in Halifax.

Their partnership exemplified resilience and determination in the face of discrimination.

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Despite community efforts, she remained unpardoned during her lifetime. However, in 2010, she received a free pardon, and in 2018, she became the first Canadian woman featured on the $10 banknote.

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After teaching in racially segregated schools, she pursued beauty culture training in Montreal, Atlantic City, and New York.

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After the Roseland Theatre incident, she faced significant challenges. Her conviction for the minor tax violation had lasting consequences. She continued her activism, advocating for civil rights and challenging racial segregation. Despite the adversity, she remained a symbol of courage and resilience, inspiring others to fight against discrimination.

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Viola appealed her conviction but was unsuccessful. She faced financial strain due to legal fees and the stigma of being a convicted person.

Despite the challenges, she continued her activism. She spoke out against racial segregation and discrimination, becoming a prominent figure in the fight for civil rights. She mentored young Black women and encouraged them to pursue their dreams and overcome barriers.

Legacy; from being racially discriminated over a cent, to becoming the first Canadian woman featured on the 10$ banknote.

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Commemorations

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Desmond was named a National Historic Person on January 12, 2018.

In June 2018, Canada's Walk of Fame star was unveiled at the Halifax Ferry Terminal.

In July 2018, a short stretch of Forbes Street in New Glasgow outside of the former Roseland Theatre was renamed Viola's Way.