The Trailblazing Life of Viola Desmond: A Civil Rights Icon (Orca Biography, 1)

Dive into the compelling narrative of "The Trailblazing Life of Viola Desmond: A Civil Rights Icon," published on September 12, 2023, by Orca Biography. This inspiring account unfolds the journey of Viola Desmond, a pioneering figure in the fight for racial justice in Canada, whose bravery predates even that of Rosa Parks. On a fateful day in 1946, Desmond's refusal to leave the "whites-only" section of a movie theater in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, led to her wrongful arrest, sparking significant movements against racial segregation. Based on intimate interviews with her sister, Wanda Robson, this biography details not only this pivotal moment but also Viola's formative years and her ventures as an educator and a beautician in a racially divided society. Elementary school readers will find in Desmond's story a powerful model of courage and persistence, encouraging them to reflect on the historical struggles and triumphs that continue to influence our world today.