Understanding Viola Desmond’s Life and Impact

The Background of Viola Desmond

Viola Desmond was one of the emblematic figures who stood up against racial segregation in Canada. She was born on July 6, 1914, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, an area rich in Black and mixed race communities. She grew up in a large family with 11 siblings and was raised by parents who were active community leaders. This provided Viola with a strong sense of community and education from an early age. Becoming a successful businesswoman, Desmond opened her beauty parlor and College, offering opportunities to black women who were refused admission to other schools of beauty culture because of racial discrimination. She was a beacon of inspiration and strength to her community.

Racial Segregation Incident

In 1946, Viola experienced an act of racial segregation when she decided to go to a movie in the town of New Glasgow during a business trip. Unknowingly, she sat in the part of the theatre reserved for white patrons due to her not knowing about the segregation in the theater. After being asked to move and refusing, Viola was arrested and charged with tax evasion over a one-cent difference in tax between the two seating areas. This unforgettable incident led Viola Desmond to become a civil rights icon in Canada, even though she was never politically active before this incident.

Her Impact and Recognition

Viola’s case, an unusual legal challenge for its time, provided an impetus for the nascent civil rights movement in Canada. Her courage and refusal to accept unjust treatment as a result of racial segregation have been hugely influential, and she continues to be recognised and honoured posthumously. Viola Desmond was pardoned by the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia in 2010, and in 2018, she became the face of Canada's $10 bill. Desmond’s impact extends far beyond her life, however, and her legacy serves as an inspiration for future generations to keep fighting for equality and rights.

The Circumstances Surrounding Viola Desmond’s Death

Viola's later life

After the incident in New Glasgow, Desmond moved to Montreal, Quebec, to enroll in a business college. Later she moved to New York City, where she died on February 7, 1965, at the age of 50. Viola Desmond's death was caused by gastrointestinal bleeding, also known as gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Desmond's transition to living in a larger city did not diminish her desire for justice, hence her decision to continue her business education in order to continue the fight against racial discrimination.

Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage

Gastrointestinal hemorrhage, the condition that led to Viola Desmond’s premature death, is a serious medical condition that can be triggered by various disorders, including chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, or colon cancer. In Desmond's case, the exact cause of her stomach bleeding was not disclosed publicly. Early recognition and treatment of this condition are crucial, and unfortunately, in Viola’s time, medical knowledge and treatments were not as advanced as they are today.

Her Legacy Post Death

Despite her early death, Viola Desmond’s legacy lives on. Fondly remembered for her brave stand against racial segregation, Desmond’s story continues to inspire and educate people about racial injustice and the civil rights movement in Canada. Her image printed on Canada's $10 note in 2018 further solidifies her place in the country's history. Many institutions, including schools and parks, carry her name, and her story is taught in Canadian schools, cementing her role as an icon of resistance against racial segregation.

Remembering Viola Desmond and Her Contributions

Viola Desmond's Legacy

Viola Desmond’s story is a testament to her bravery and her principled stand against racial discrimination. Her legacy carries significant importance in Canadian history and aids in the understanding and acknowledgement of the country's past injustices. She is a symbol of strength and courage that continues to inspire millions in the struggle for equality. Her unexpected involvement in civil rights activities serves to show that every person, regardless of their background or circumstances, can affect meaningful change in society.

Lessons From Desmond's Life

The story of Viola Desmond acts as a stark reminder of the racial discrimination that was normalised and the systemic racism that was present and, unfortunately, still exists to a degree today. It shows the need for courage in the face of adversity and the importance of standing up for one's rights. Her life, her fight, and the subsequent impact she made on Canadian society proves that one person can indeed make a difference.

Viola Desmond's Role in Canadian Civil Rights

Viola Desmond helped to change the course of Canadian history. Her refusal to give up her seat in the movie theatre was a monumental action that fueled the civil rights movement in Canada. The outrage and support surrounding her unfair treatment shed light on the racial segregation policies and highlighted the need for change in legislation. As such, Viola Desmond’s case became a rallying point for people in the civil rights movement and set the course for further action and change in Canada's legislation.