Last updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 03:35 pm
Last Updated on May 2, 2024 Posted by Colonial Acres Coins
It is no secret that Canadian paper money notes tend to feature prominent individuals from Canadian history. In accordance with such a tradition, the new face on the $10 bill is going to be Viola Desmond. Born in Nova Scotia, Viola Desmond was a famous and prominent fighter for civil rights, and on top of that, a renowned businesswoman. That is exactly why Viola Desmond is the first Canadian woman to be featured on a regular banknote. This came as a very positive surprise to many in her native town of Halifax and especially to her younger sister – Wanda Robson.
The Legacy Continues
Wanda Robson finds it hard to hide her excitement. While eagerly awaiting for the Bank of Canada to release the banknote and put it in circulation, she is thinking of her first purchase using the new bill. According to Mrs. Robson, it is going to be a present for her granddaughter – a book about the interesting life of Viola Desmond. Mrs. Robson also said that her granddaughter is already inspired by her aunt and has shown interest in her work and legacy despite the fact that she never had a chance to meet her.
Struggle For Equality
Viola Desmond became a prominent face of the civil rights movement in Canada on Nov. 8, 1946, when she decided to stand up against racial segregation. She was arrested because she decided not to leave a section of the Roseland Theatre in New Glasgow, which was reserved only for whites. The incident ended up being so big that it became one of the most important cases in the history of the Canadian civil rights movement. The City of Halifax recently even issued a posthumous apology to Viola Desmond. Her sister, Mrs. Robson, believes that this is finally a step in the right direction, and she hopes that actions like this will raise awareness about the history of struggle undertaken by her elder sister.
Banknote Portrait
The Bank of Canada held open nominations and the public voted for Viola Desmond to be featured on the new $10 bill. The banknote depicts a big portrait of Viola Desmond, while the background is filled with the picture of the neighbourhood where she grew up. Her business success is also depicted on the bill, as there is a map of the street where she opened her salon. Shortly after that, she managed to launch a new line of cosmetics and finally opened a beauty school. Later on, she started using her success to help other black women through mentoring while offering good job opportunities. The banknote also cites an excerpt from the Charter of Rights and Freedoms – values firmly held and propagated by the great Viola Desmond.
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