Nova Scotia Students Learn the Story of Viola Desmond

NOTE: A social media version of this release with hi-res photos and video can be found at http://gov.ns.ca/news/smr/2011-09-16-Long-Road-to-Justice .

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, launched today, Sept. 16.

"The act of defiance by Mrs. Desmond set in motion efforts that helped end segregation in Nova Scotia," said Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister David Wilson. "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."

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.

"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," said Education Minister Ramona Jennex.

Long Road to Justice: The Viola Desmond Story will be available in Nova Scotia schools starting in January 2012. The film is available online at http://gov.ns.ca/news/smr/2011-09-16-Long-Road-to-Justice/media/Trailer_2T_2_H264_Widescreen_640x360.mp4 .