Repaying a Wrong

When Cape Breton University Alumna, Wanda Robson, sister of civil rights pioneer, Viola Desmond, received a symbolic repayment of her sister's fine from Nova Scotia's government, Wanda knew precisely what she wanted to do with the funds. Wanda established a scholarship in Viola Desmond's name at CBU to assist African Nova Scotia students with post-secondary education. The Viola Desmond Scholarship directly builds on CBU's work and dedication to break down barriers and increase access to education within African Canadian communities.

Viola Desmond was found guilty of tax evasion after she challenged racial segregation at the Roseland Theatre in New Glasgow on November 8, 1946. She was forced to pay a fine and court costs of $26. Today, that amounts to an estimated $368.29. The province increases the amount of the repayment to $1,000.

The repayment originated from a request by junior high student Varishini Deochand from Vaughan, Ontario. She asked the province of Nova Scotia to symbolically reimburse the fine and court costs charged to Viola after learning about her story through a school project.

"I came up with this idea in the eighth grade when I was researching Viola Desmond for an English assignment. I learned that she was wrongfully fined $26 for tax evasion but was posthumously pardoned in 2011," said Varishini during the virtual ceremony from her home in Ontario. "The removal of the conviction against Mrs. Desmond's name is an acknowledgment of her innocence. I believe that one should not pay a fine for a crime one did not commit. That prompted me to write a letter to the premier of Nova Scotia, Stephen McNeil, about a symbolic repayment of the $26 fine."

At CBU, we are incredibly proud of Wanda and all that she has accomplished in her efforts to share her sister's story. Wanda Robson has been the driving force behind telling her sister's story and ensuring that it is now part of Canada's history in so many ways. From sitting in a social justice class at CBU with Dr. Graham Renyolds to unveiling the new $10 bill displaying her sister's face, Wanda is also now part of Canada's history because of her efforts.

In 2018, CBU established the Viola Desmond Chair in Social Justice to raise $2 million to support its efforts. This chair focuses on honouring and recognizing the successes, achievements and impact of African Canadians whose histories have been under-represented in Canada.

To learn more about CBU efforts, the Viola Desmond Chair in Social Justice or to support the Viola Desmond Scholarship, visit here.

To find out more on supporting Cape Breton University, visit www.cbu.ca/alumni