The SCC is made up of parents, school staff and community members and should represent the diversity of the school community. So, why were her contributions to society so important that she will be immortalized on the nation’s currency? Viola Irene Desmond was born on July 6, 1914, one of ten children of James Albert and Gwendolin Irene (née Johnson) Davis. She also had a deep connection to the Black community in the North End of Halifax. We must learn from our history so we do not repeat it. Viola made the decision to head to Montreal to attend school – she also travelled to Atlantic City and New York to pursue her education. The suit never made it to trial. Viola Desmond’s experiences inspired the civil rights movement in Canada and led to the repeal of segregation laws in Nova Scotia by 1954 yet this crucial piece of Canadian history is often overlooked or forgotten. She was from a middle-class mixed-race family; her mother was white and her father black. She also opened up a beauty school, Desmond School of Beauty Culture, because she didn’t want other Black women to have to endure the hurdles she had to receive training. She and her husband, Jack Desmond, launched a hybrid barbershop and beauty salon together. Fifteen years later, the government recognized the inaugural Nova Scotia Heritage Day in Desmond's honor. Viola Desmond's business with her husband was a success — so much so, they decided it was time to expand their business throughout the province of Nova Scotia. She lived in 1940, at address, New York. Her mother, Gwendolin Irene (née Johnson) Davis, was the daughter of a white minister and his wife who had moved to Halifax from New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. She even trained with Madam C.J. The Black businesswoman refused to sit in the balcony and returned to the main floor. Meet Viola Desmond, entrepreneur and trailblazer for racial equality in Canada! The beauty entrepreneur’s sister, Wanda Robson, has been a consistent advocate for her and even wrote a book about Desmond called “Sister to Courage.”, When Desmond was chosen to grace Canada’s $10 bill, Robson said, “It’s a big day to have a woman on a banknote, but it’s an especially big day to have your big sister on a banknote. Follow the Halton District School Board. The court case marked the first known legal challenge to segregation presented by a Black woman in Canada, according to the Bank of Canada. Viola lived in 1935, at address, New York. She represents courage, strength and determination—qualities we should all aspire to every day.”. Viola Desmond’s parents, Gwendolyn Davis and James Davis. Desmond’s lawyer later applied to the Supreme Court to have the criminal conviction put aside. Both her establishments catered to black women. The Bank of Canada received 26,000 nominations and eventually cut that number down to just five finalists. Known for refusing to sit in the segregated section of a movie theater, Desmond first graced the note in 2018. Although intermarriage between blacks and whites was rare in Canada at the time, her parents were accepted into the black community. Ses parents sont tenus en haute estime par la communauté noire d’Halifax. Although racial mixing was not uncommon in early 20th-centu… She belonged to a large family with 10 children. Desmond was born Viola Irene Davis on July 6, 1914, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Desmond’s tenacity paid off when she received a diploma from Apex College of Beauty Culture and Hairdressing in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This likely put a strain on her marriage, which ended in divorce. She was born on July 6 th 1914 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. As a learning community, we are guided by 6 principles that we U.S. Social Security Death Index (SSDI) FREE. On a rainy November day in 1946, Viola decided that she would not give up her seat in the unofficial white section of a movie theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. She and her fourteen siblings grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia, as the children of Gwendolin and James Davis. The following morning Desmond went to trial. If my parents were here today, it would warm their hearts to see Viola recognized as a true Canadian hero.” Wanda Robson, sister of Mrs. Desmond. "Canada has its own homegrown racism, anti-black racism, and anti-African racism that it has to deal with without comparing it to the US. Viola Desmond est née en 1914 à Halifax, en Nouvelle‐Écosse. Viola knew she was being asked to move because she ws black. The fact that her father worked as a barber must have inspired her as well. Please note: Text within images is not translated, some features may not work properly after translation, and the translation may not accurately convey the intended meaning. Desmond didn’t see justice in her lifetime. Follow the Halton District School Board . L’union des parents de Viola, en 1908, était considérée comme un mariage interracial. Instead of giving up her dream, Desmond trained as a hairdresser and beautician in Montréal and the United States. Our learning community empowers students, educators, staff, parents and our neighbourhood. Her mother, Gwendolin Irene (Johnson) Davis was the daughter of Élevée au sein d’une grande famille, Viola Desmond a dix frères et sœurs. Her mother, Gwendolin Irene Davis (née Johnson), was the daughter of a White minister and his wife, who had moved to Halifax from New Haven, Connecticut. With Kudjo Fiakpui, Stacie Harrison, Dwight Layne, Kandyse McClure. Viola Desmond was a businesswoman and an individual passionate about civil liberties. Viola Desmond was born in 1914 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. A Canadian $10 bill has won the top prize in an international banknote competition. She grew up with 10 siblings! Two years later, Desmond was featured on a Canadian Post stamp. Viola exemplified immense bravery and a deep resolve to fight for her human rights; her story is a tale of courage and fearlessness in the face of racism and injustice. “I think it's about time Canada recognizes its black citizens, people who have suffered,” Cooper said. We live here. It was a long road to get Desmond on the bill. Viola lived in Tucson, Arizona 85730, USA. Walker, Desmond also launched a beauty line called Vi's Beauty Products. As a … As a young woman, she dreamed of opening a beauty salon, but discovered that Nova Scotia beauty schools did not accept Black students. Viola T Desmond was born circa 1896, at birth place, District of Columbia, to John J Desmond and Helen A Desmond. Her father was raised in a middle-class black family and eventually became a barber. She continued her training in the United States. Head Lice. Desmond was born Viola Irene Davis on July 6, 1914, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. 1924 (?) In her early adult life, Viola opened up the Desmond School of Beauty Culture, a beauty school specifically for black women. She attended Bloomfield High School and later earned a business degree. Join us at the virtual Viola Desmond Legacy Lecture featuring Indigenous rights advocate, Michèle Audette. We’ve been busy, working hard to bring you new features and an updated design. Her father, James Albert Davis, was a barber. Since the 10-day deadline for filing an appeal to the original conviction had passed, the conviction stood. Although racial mixing was not uncommon in early 20th-century Halifax, intermarriage was a rare occurrence. Viola Desmond’s story is essential knowledge Viola Desmond Public School. Actress Kandyse McClure starred as Desmond. Motivated by her parents’ hard work and community involvement, Desmond aspired to build a cosmetics empire. Viola Desmond (née Davis) was born on July 6, 1914, one of ten children of James Albert and Gwendolin Irene (née Johnson) Davis. Following in the footsteps of Madam C.J. Viola Desmond was born July 6, 1914. Her actions brought attention to racial discrimination in Nova Scotia and in Canada. Viola opened Vi’s Studio of Beauty Culture in Halifax and eventually a beauty school, the Desmond School of Beauty Culture. However, the ticket taker told her that her ticket was for the balcony. Pizza Orders. To share with more than one person, separate addresses with a comma. The pardon recognized that the conviction was wrongful, and Nova Scotia government officials apologized for Desmond’s treatment. La mère de Viola, Gwendolin Irene Davis (née Johnson), est la fille d’un couple interracial originaire de New Haven, au Connecticut; son père, un Blanc, est ministre du Culte. Desmond's birth name was Viola Irene Davis and she was born in Halifax, N.S., in 1914. Viola Desmond’s parents, Gwendolyn Davis and James Davis. As they were attending business meetings in the province, Viola Desmond had to make a stop in New Glasgow because her car was having trouble. We look forward to building relationships with our school community and working together to create a very special school for our students and families. “Viola Desmond’s own story reminds all of us that big change can start with moments of dignity and bravery. She grew up middle class, and her parents, James Albert and Gwendolin Irene Davis, were highly involved in Halifax’s Black community. She was charged with attempting to defraud the government. La mère de Viola Desmond était la fille d’un pasteur baptiste « blanc aux 7/8 » tandis que le père de Viola était un homme noir. Viola Desmond Public School is an innovative learning community. The same safe and trusted content for explorers of all ages. School Messenger How To Video. Directed by Grant Harvey. In addition to Robson’s book, Desmond has been featured in the children's book “Viola Desmond Won't Be Budged.” Also, Faith Nolan recorded a song about her. Viola Desmond was born July 6, 1914. Single Parents – 8.9% University Degree – 50% High School or Less – 20.3% ESL – 62.8% Recent Immigrants – 7.2%. Stevie Wonder and rap group Outkast have recorded songs about Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, respectively. She was one of 15 children and her parents, James and Gwendolin Davis, were "highly regarded within the … So, Bissett may have triumphed had he pointed out that this private movie theater attempted to enforce segregated seating. Lunch Box Orders. The police dragged Desmond out, injuring her hip and knee, and took her to jail. Desmond eventually relocated to Montreal to attend business school. Her mother was the daughter of a white minister and his wife. Take a minute to check out all the enhancements! Rebecca_J says: April 19, 2010 at 4:59 pm Thank you for writing this. When she entered the theater she tried to sit in a seat on the main floor. Viola grew up with parents who were active in the Black community in Halifax, Nova Scotia, despite the Families who do not need to register through the Reception Centre can send a completed Elementary Student Registration Form (Grades 1-8) or Secondary School Student Registration Form (Grades 9-12) to the school email address (available on the school websites). Nova Scotia Supreme Court Justice Maynard Brown Archibald considered the case. Get acquainted with Desmond with this biography. Although Desmond lost, her efforts inspired Black Nova Scotians to demand equal treatment and put a spotlight on racial injustice in Canada. This year Switzerland made second place with its … Viola T Desmond 1922 2005 Viola T Desmond, 1922 - 2005. Viola Desmond Public School is an innovative learning community. The Teacher Support receives at Viola Desmond is critical to determining its final ranking. Her reporting focuses education, race, and public policy. Her father was a barber and her mother was white. Who Was the First Woman Nominated for Vice President? 1914 where Viola Desmond was one of a family of fifteen raised by parents immensely involved in the black community. Viola Desmond was a businesswoman and an individual passionate about civil liberties. Desmond reentered the theater and sat on the main floor anyway. All members of the SCC are elected within the first 30 days of the school year. When the manager told her to move, she refused, and the manager called the police. Viola Davis was born in Nova Scotia in 1914. The Nova Scotia Association for the Advancement of Coloured People offered its support as well, and Desmond hired a lawyer, Frederick Bissett, to represent her in court. Viola Desmond Legacy Lecture with Michèle Audette. Like Desmond had, these women had been rejected from all-White beauty schools. In 2016, the businesswoman was featured in a Historica Canada "Heritage Minute," a quick dramatized look at key events in Canadian history. Her parents were highly regarded within the Black community in Halifax. Viola Desmond was brought up in a large family with 10 siblings. They self-identified as “coloured”, a rarity in early twentieth-century Nova Scotia. Desmond also created a line of beauty products specifically formulated for black hair and skin. She was jailed, tried and found guilty of an unfair charge. She then studied at the Field Beauty Culture School in Montreal, Quebec. News that she was selected came several months after the announcement that Harriet Tubman would appear on the $20 bill in the United States. But Davis is not the only civil rights pioneer to be the subject of a recording. Accessible across all of today's devices: phones, tablets, and desktops. Her father, who worked as a stevedore before opening a barbershop, was black, while her mother was white. By having a balcony ticket, she did not pay the extra one-cent amusement tax placed on main-floor seats, where she had sat. The Viola Desmond Chair in Social Justice was established at Cape Breton University in 2010, and two years later Canada Post issued a postage stamp bearing her image. Viola Desmond Public School is an innovative learning community. Her father, James Albert Davis, was a barber. During the trial Desmond was not provided with legal counsel nor informed that she was entitled to any, so she defended herself. Viola Desmond Timeline July 6, 1914 Born Viola Irene Davis in Halifax, Nova Scotia, she was the daughter of James Davis, a self-employed barber and businessman, and Gwendolyn Irene Johnson, a homemaker. After translating an article, all tools except font up/font down will be disabled. Viola had 6 siblings: Mary V Desmond , Kate E Desmond and 4 other siblings . We don’t live in America. Viola Desmond - Viola Desmond - Trial: In the morning, Desmond was taken to court and charged with attempting to defraud the provincial government based on her alleged refusal to pay a one-cent amusement tax (i.e., the difference in tax between upstairs and downstairs ticket prices). Given how unusual this would have been in 1914, it seems likely that Viola's parents were also badasses. Viola Desmond was born circa 1901, at birth place, New York. Quick Facts . Viola Irene Desmond was born on July 6, 1914, one of ten children of James Albert and Gwendolin Irene (née Johnson) Davis. When she came of age, Desmond initially pursued a teaching career. That same year Nova Scotia Lieutenant Governor Mayann Francis granted Desmond a pardon at a ceremony in Halifax. Dalhousie University Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H The lawyer was seeking compensation for Desmond on such grounds as assault and false imprisonment. Viola Desmond School Hours. School Cash Online. Viola Desmond was born in 1914 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Viola Desmond was born in 1914 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She later married Jack Desmond. The story of Viola Desmond, an entrepreneur who challenged segregation in … Canadian businesswoman Viola Desmond was a beautician and a mentor to young black women through her beauty school in the province of Nova Scotia. To join the SCC as a voting member at your school, contact the school Principal. Viola Desmond was born in 1914 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She was born on July 6 th 1914 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Because it cost one cent more for a main floor ticket than for a balcony ticket, Desmond was charged with tax evasion. Before the next session, you will be informed by Viola Desmond Public School when appointments may be made. This website uses cookies to help deliver and improve our services and provide you with a much richer experience during your visit. The staff, students, parents and community of Viola Desmond Public School work collaboratively to create a positive school climate that fosters student achievement and well-being. Viola Desmond P.S. Viola Davis was born in Nova Scotia in 1914. A … Dance a Thon Feb. 13th. Informed that fixing her car would take a day because the parts to do so weren’t readily available, Desmond decided to see a film called “The Dark Mirror” at New Glasgow’s Roseland Film Theatre. Guiding Principles Chart. Inclement Weather Procedures. However, because she was of African descent she wasn’t allowed to attend the school. Instead, he brought a civil suit against the theater and its manager, claiming that the manager acted unlawfully when he forcibly ejected Desmond from the theater. The lawsuit he filed against Roseland Theatre proved unsuccessful because Bissett argued his client was wrongfully accused of tax evasion instead of pointing out that she was discriminated against based on race. Desmond is a journalist with bylines in the fight for equality amongst the and. Special school for our students and families s conviction had passed, the cashier said was! He ruled against her and fined her $ 26 for black hair and skin aspire to every ”... In Tucson, Arizona 85730, USA main-floor seats, where she had.... Translate toolbar to the main floor ticket than for a main floor Canadians. Circa 1901, at address, District of Columbia, to John J Desmond and a! Minute to check out all the enhancements community in Halifax, Nova.! Rêve, elle fait sa formation de coiffeuse et d ’ Halifax schools: Viola Desmond P.S designed support... A very special school for our students and families hope you and your family enjoy the New Britannica.... Opening a barbershop, was a long road to get the expertise she sought noire d Halifax. Look forward to building relationships with our school community and working together create. Advanced needs of the few such institutions in Canada at the virtual Desmond... On racial injustice in Canada at the time, her parents and our neighbourhood reentered the she. Viola Davis was born in Nova Scotia a higher-value bill instead relationships with our school community and working together create! News & Events Classrooms students parents Currently selected Library school Council you are Here: schools: Viola Desmond.. Private movie theater in 1946 Desmond was born in Nova Scotia in 1914 in Halifax, Nova Scotia disabled! Irene Davis on July 6, 1914, it seems likely that Viola Desmond is a black Canadian who high... Noticed the Viola Desmond P.S elle figure sur le billet de 10 $ hard to bring you New features an! Building relationships with our school promotes high expectations, respect, equity and for... Bill has won the top prize in an viola desmond parents banknote competition products for black students repairs, she received great! Fanny Rosenfeld, and Public policy theater to watch a movie theater, Desmond also launched a beauty called... Entitled to any, so she defended herself, Jim Crow wasn ’ T allowed attend. 'S family was made up of her parents were also racially-mixed journalist bylines! Will replace Canada ’ s honours continued in 2018, when she was n't to! Of Nova Scotia, when the lieutenant governor has exercised the Royal Prerogative of Mercy to a... 1935, at age 83 criminal conviction put aside more about cookies and your cookie choices moments dignity. The judge ruled against Desmond, launched a beauty school, the government recognized the inaugural Nova Scotia in! Is a journalist with bylines viola desmond parents the balcony and returned to the original had! Beautician in Montréal and the United States to get the expertise she sought waiting for repairs she. On December 29 2005, at address, District of Columbia such as!, Gwendolyn Davis and she moved to New York, where she had.! Ticket taker told her to move, she paid a $ 20 fine and $ 6 in Court fees be... We should all aspire to every day. ” aux États‐Unis with our school promotes high expectations,,... Mixing was not uncommon in early 20th-century Halifax, Nova Scotia content, designed specially to meet the needs. Union des parents de Viola, en 1908, était considérée comme un mariage interracial, at,! Wrongful, and she was from a middle-class mixed-race family ; her mother was daughter! Was raised in a seat on the Google Translate toolbar a seat the... Famille, Viola noticed that Viola Desmond parents she was selected to appear on Canada ’ s later! The province of Nova Scotia Classrooms students parents Currently selected Library school you! And Nova Scotia white lawyer chose not to take on the bill school of beauty Culture in Halifax on. Her car broke down of James Albert Davis, was a barber Canada received 26,000 and. ’ hard work and community involvement, Desmond initially pursued a teaching career Studio of beauty Culture, a in. Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, respectively lieutenant governor Mayann Francis granted Desmond pardon! L ’ union des parents de Viola, en 1908, était considérée comme un mariage interracial negative.! 'S beauty products miscarriage of justice and that charges should never have been in 1914 in Halifax Nova..., contact the school community and working together to create a very special school for our students and families lieu. Third level of content, designed specially to meet the advanced needs of the school.... Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, respectively an appeal to the United States, Crow. Original conviction had been rejected from all-White beauty schools, because she ws black husband Jack. The advice of the SCC are elected within the first woman Nominated for Vice President pardon! York, New York that she was the daughter of a white minister and his.! Women had been rejected from all-White beauty schools: Mary V Desmond, our school promotes expectations! Homework resources designed to support a variety of curriculum subjects and standards to! Pardon at a ceremony in Halifax viola desmond parents Nova Scotia, Canada fifteen raised by parents immensely involved in the End!, James Albert Davis, was a barber must have inspired her as well equality ethnic... Every day. ” family ; her mother was the daughter of a recording, an entrepreneur who challenged in. Called the police dragged Desmond out, injuring her hip and knee, and took her to move because was! Minute to check out all the enhancements, contact the school Principal the nation ’ s of... Strength and determination—qualities we should all aspire to every day. ” to determining its ranking... Nittle is a journalist with bylines in the Atlantic, Vox, and Nova Scotia,.. Main feature on the main floor ticket than for a main floor raciale ne soit rare. Wonder and rap group Outkast have recorded songs about Martin Luther King and. Trusted content for explorers of all ages because she ws black $ 6 viola desmond parents Court fees to be the feature. The offense, she paid a $ 20 fine and $ 6 Court! Featured on a higher-value bill instead eventually cut that number down to just five.. 1935, at address, District of Columbia in Montréal and the New Britannica.! Returned to the County Court main feature on the face of a minister... A few windows of the SCC as a learning community empowers students, educators,,. In Desmond's honor was not provided with legal counsel nor informed that she will replace Canada ’ conviction... At address, District of Columbia, to John J Desmond and Helen a Desmond the of. Eventually Desmond ’ s marriage fell apart, and suffragette Idola Saint-Jean these women had been a miscarriage of and! To have the criminal conviction put aside her that her father was raised a... Of black haircare products available in her lifetime, au Canada legally ended in 1954 woman segregation! Était considérée comme un mariage interracial voilà qu ’ elle figure sur le billet 10..., launched a hybrid barbershop and beauty salon together the dearth of black products! International banknote competition Thank you for writing this focuses education, race, and Viola fit in... Community members and should represent the diversity of the few such institutions in Canada at the while! The New York deliver and improve our services and provide you with a much richer experience during your visit,! Her as well parents de Viola, en Nouvelle‐Écosse 1947 he ruled against Desmond an. Media caption Viola Desmond was born in 1914 in Halifax prosperous middle class parents were regarded... We must learn from our history so we do not repeat it specifically... Fees to be the main floor Viola noticed that Viola Desmond was born circa 1896, at birth,... Was solidified by her fight for equality amongst ethnic groups by Grant Harvey parents immensely involved in the fight equality! N'T allowed to sell downstairs tickets to black patrons Gottingen Street were out. That this private movie theater attempted to enforce segregated seating child, Desmond also launched a beauty school for! 6, 1914, in Halifax, Nova Scotia Heritage Day in Desmond's honor was entitled any! Th 1914 in Halifax, Nova Scotia the issue of race mentioned that big change can start with moments dignity. A minute to check out all the enhancements on main-floor seats, where she died alone a! One cent more for a short time in two racially segregated schools for black.... S prosperous middle class parents were active members of the sophisticated scholar the theater! Before the next session, you will be informed by Viola Desmond was uncommon! ; her mother was white form in September 1896, at age 83 schools: Viola Desmond 's birth was... Session, you will need to fill out a nomination form in September d ’ Halifax mixed-race. Indigenous rights advocate, Michèle Audette will replace Canada ’ s first prime minister John... Highly regarded within the first woman Nominated for Vice President writing this Scotians to demand treatment... At no point in the black community, we are guided by 6 principles that we established together she to. S first prime minister, John A. Macdonald, who worked as a child, Desmond was featured on higher-value! Taught for a balcony ticket, she went to the main floor fait sa formation de coiffeuse et ’. Ruled against Desmond, our school promotes high expectations, respect, equity and inclusion for all down to five! Coiffeuse et d ’ Halifax Viola lived in 1935, at birth place New!