Nova Scotia Students Learn the Story of Viola Desmond

Published by the Department of Education and Communities, Culture and Heritage

Friday, September 16, 2011

Future generations of young Nova Scotians will learn about the courageous story of Viola Desmond thanks to the new film Long Road to Justice: The Viola Desmond Story.

Quotes

The act of defiance by Mrs. Desmond set in motion efforts that helped end segregation in Nova Scotia. This important film will ensure that the name Viola Desmond and the lessons of her experience will be passed on to the young people of Nova Scotia for years to come. Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister David Wilson

The injustice committed against Mrs. Desmond is a part of Nova Scotia's history, a history that will be taught in our schools and will be kept alive as a reminder to stand up against racism in all of its forms. Education Minister Ramona Jennex

Quick Facts

  • Viola Desmond was an African Nova Scotian who was wrongfully jailed and fined in 1946 for sitting in the white peoples' section of a New Glasgow movie theatre.
  • In 2010, the province publicly apologized to the family of Mrs. Desmond and issued the country's first posthumously granted free pardon.
  • A free pardon is based on innocence and recognizes that a conviction was made in error.
  • Long Road to Justice: The Viola Desmond Story will be available in Nova Scotia schools starting in January 2012.

Learn More

Media Contacts

Lucas Wide
Department of Education
902-424-3150
E-mail:
Chad Lucas
African Nova Scotian Affairs
902-424-6147
E-mail:

Images

Education Minister Ramona Jennex sits with Viola Desmond's sister Wanda Robson at the screening.
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Viola Desmond, the Long Road to Justice.
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FROM LEFT: Lt.-Gov. Mayann Francis, Viola Desmond's sister Wanda Robson and Education Minister Ramona Jennex after Ms. Robson was presented with a copy of the DVD.
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Wanda Robson, sister of Viola Desmond, chats with Michele Lucas, who portrayed Mrs. Desmond in Viola Desmond, Long Road to Justice
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Education Minister Ramona Jennex discusses have valuable the project will be for students.
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A copy of the free pardon granted to Viola Desmond last year sits in the foreground as Education Minister Ramona Jennex discusses have valuable the project will be for students.
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Long Road to Justice.
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Michelle Lucas as Viola Desmond in Long Road to Justice: The Viola Desmond Story.
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Videos

Long Road to Justice