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: widela@gov.ns.ca
- Chad Lucas
- African Nova Scotian Affairs
- 902-424-6147
- E-mail: lucascga@gov.ns.ca
Images
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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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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