A portrait of Viola Desmond, a businesswoman and civil rights advocate, circa 1940. (Communications Nova Scotia/Bank of Canada/Flickr).
Canada is finally addressing the wrong done to Viola Desmond, a remarkable woman, who made a stand for civil and human rights, and was punished for doing so, then thoroughly whitewashed.
You can read all about Ms. Desmond here, and Canada’s move to repair those earlier, despicable actions.
This is the first time I’ve heard about her. It is good that this part of the past has been revealed and shed light on. A clear example of the colonial racism. Her fate is a huge injustice.
As a Canadian, I grew up thinking that segregation was something that happened in the US, and was subsequently solved by Rosa Parks.
Imagine my surprise when I learned about Viola Desmond. I’m glad she’s receiving more recognition; hopefully children of the following generations will know more about her and Canada’s past. A more accurate picture.