Pistes d'exploration

Discuss how Viola Desmond stood up for the rights of black people in 1946. Consider how her act was similar to and different from that of Rosa Parks.

What did Viola Desmond do for black rights in Canada? Create a bookmark highlighting the key points.

Think of examples of segregation or intimidation that exist today. What other people could be helped? Find three arguments to convince a person that everyone has the same basic rights.

Discuss how Viola Desmond stood up for the rights of black people in 1946. Consider how her act was similar to and different from that of Rosa Parks.

Create a bookmark highlighting what Viola Desmond did for black rights in Canada.

Think of examples of segregation or intimidation that exist today. What other people could be helped? Find three arguments to convince a person that everyone has the same basic rights.

Brainstorm names of people who shaped the values of our province and our country. If her name isn’t already there, add Viola Desmond to your list.

From the clues in the text and illustrations, determine the kind of meeting Viola was planning to attend when her car broke down. Discuss your ideas in small teams and explain your inferences.

Research other notable African Canadians from the past or present. Find a creative way of sharing your information with your peers.

Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, The Story of Ruby Bridges

Mots-clés

Biography , African Canadians , equality , human rights , Nova Scotia , overcoming adversity , racism , segregation , Viola Desmond

Commentaire descriptif

The inflections of spoken language are used to convey the facts of Viola Desmond’s racist, illegal arrest in a Nova Scotia theatre in 1946, and the Nova Scotia Supreme Court’s rejection of her appeal. Young readers may recognize similarities to Rosa Parks’ arrest in Alabama, and the subsequent galvanization of the black community there. They may also notice a difference: in Canada, segregation policies were not backed by law, so a fraudulent charge was laid on Viola Desmond, supported by justice levels all the way to the top. Changing insidious and systemic oppression of this kind is extremely rich material for discussion among students. Illustrations in warm, vibrant colours accurately depict the times. Strong shadow and light dramatically portray the story’s events. In one image, intimidating faces loom: a police officer, the theatre manager and an usher, who shines a bright flashlight in the reader’s face. In the final spread, Viola’s own face glows with a golden light, as she stands before a crowd bearing signs: “END RACISM,” “EQUAL RIGHTS NOW” and “WE ARE CANADIANS TOO.” A lengthy afterword provides background information. This is an essential book.