Viola Desmond: Her Life and Times

"Viola Desmond: Her Life and Times" is a compelling exploration of the life of a woman who made history not just in Canada, but in the global fight for racial justice. Published on October 1, 2018, this book delves into the story of Viola Desmond, an African Canadian businesswoman and a pioneering figure in the struggle against racial segregation. Beyond her famous 1946 arrest for refusing to leave a whites-only section of a movie theater, Desmond's life was marked by her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Authors Graham Reynolds and Wanda Robson (Desmond’s sister) provide a rich narrative that goes beyond the incident at the theater to highlight Desmond's achievements in establishing the first Black beauty studio in Halifax and creating a line of beauty products. Recommended for middle-school readers, this book not only chronicles a vital chapter in the history of racial justice but also celebrates the spirit of a trailblazer who, like Rosa Parks, helped to change the course of history.