Viola Desmond was a trailblazer who stood tall against injustice in Canada during a time when systemic racism sought to silence Black voices. In 1946, her courageous resistance to segregation in a Nova Scotia movie theatre became a catalyst for civil rights in Canada, highlighting the ongoing fight for equality and dignity.

Her defiance was not just about a seat in a theatre—it was a declaration of the strength, resilience, and unyielding determination of Black Canadians who refused to accept second-class treatment. Viola’s legacy reminds us that even the smallest acts of defiance can ripple into powerful movements for change.

As she once said, "Do your little bit of good where you are." Her wisdom inspires us to find power, purpose and perserverience amidst adversity. After all, if history has taught us one thing, it’s this: Black excellence doesn’t just take a seat—it demands the spotlight.