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Viola Desmond’s 104th Birthday

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    • July 6, 2018

      Viola Desmond’s 104th Birthday

    • Today’s Doodle celebrates the 104th birthday of Viola Desmond, the black entrepreneur and businesswoman who refused to give up her seat in the whites-only section of a movie theater, leading to a court case that inspired Canada’s civil rights movement.

      A schoolteacher and entrepreneur, Desmond overcame various obstacles in pursuit of her dream, breaking down racial barriers and inspiring others to follow in her footsteps. Her Desmond School of Beauty Culture was the first in Halifax, Nova Scotia to admit black women.

      One of the largest milestones of Desmond’s life actually occurred by chance. The Roseland Theater usually reserved floor seats for white patrons, but Desmond refused to sit up the balcony. She was forcibly removed, injuring her hip and spending the night in jail. When she was fined for tax evasion over a $.01 cent tax that she’d offered to pay, Desmond fought the case in court, sparking a nationwide debate about desegregation.

      Desmond was officially pardoned in 2010, and a posthumous apology was issued by Nova Scotia’s lieutenant-governor. Earlier this year, Desmond became the first woman to be featured on Canadian currency. Her $10 bill is first Canadian bank note to be oriented vertically.

      Appropriately enough, even Desmond’s denomination is bold and unique.

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