Viola Desmond

Viola Desmond, born on July 6, 1914, was a pioneering Canadian civil rights advocate and businesswoman of Black Nova Scotian descent. She made history in 1946 when she bravely challenged racial segregation at the Roseland Theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. By refusing to vacate a whites-only section of the cinema, Desmond became a symbol of resistance against racial discrimination in Canada.

Her conviction for a minor tax violation, stemming from a one-cent difference between the seat she purchased and the one she occupied, highlighted the injustices faced by Black Canadians. This incident is regarded as one of the most significant moments in the history of racial discrimination in Canada, serving as a catalyst for the modern civil rights movement.

In recognition of her contributions, Desmond was posthumously granted a free pardon in 2010, marking a historic first in Canada. This pardon effectively erased the consequences of her conviction, including fines and prohibitions. It wasn't until 2021 that the government repaid the fine to her estate, adjusting it to reflect the time value of money with a scholarship of one thousand dollars.

Viola Desmond's legacy continued to grow when she became the first Canadian-born woman to appear alone on a Canadian bank note, the ten-dollar bill, unveiled on March 8, 2018. Additionally, she was named a National Historic Person in the same year, solidifying her place in Canadian history as a trailblazer for civil and women's rights.