David | 28 Moments of Black Canadian History | Viola Desmond

Summary

David Gakwerere, originally from Rwanda and raised in Montreal, discusses his commitment to diversity and inclusion, emphasizing the importance of Black History Month in celebrating black contributions to Canada. He shares his personal experiences with exclusion and the significance of allyship. Gakwerere highlights Viola Desmond's legacy as a civil rights pioneer and entrepreneur, recounting her struggle against racial segregation in 1946 and her posthumous recognition, including a posthumous free pardon and being featured on the Canadian ten-dollar bill.

Takeaways

• 🌟 David Gakwerere, originally from Rwanda, is passionate about diversity and inclusion, striving to remove barriers for full societal participation.
• 🏙️ David has experienced both positive and challenging moments in Ottawa, highlighting the need for continued efforts towards inclusivity.
• 🗣️ He emphasizes the importance of Black History Month as a time to celebrate contributions and raise awareness about ongoing struggles.
• 💡 David's personal resolution is to be more intentional about diversity and inclusion, committing to ongoing learning and unlearning.
• 🤝 He encourages others to join in the celebration of Black History Month, to listen, learn, and stand in solidarity, especially during tough times.
• 👩‍🏫 The talk focuses on Viola Desmond, a prominent figure in Canadian history, known for her entrepreneurship and activism.
• 🎫 Viola Desmond's refusal to leave a whites-only section of a movie theater in 1946 was a pivotal moment in the fight against racial segregation.
• 🏢 Despite her success, Desmond faced legal challenges and societal violence, highlighting the intersection of racial and economic discrimination.
• 🏆 Posthumously, Desmond was granted a free pardon, and her legacy continues to inspire, with her image on Canada's ten-dollar bill.
• 🔗 The narrative concludes with a call to action, urging continued advocacy for social justice and the recognition of spaces where everyone can be fully accepted.

Q & A

Who is David Gakwerere and where is he originally from?

David Gakwerere is originally from Rwanda, but he was born and raised in Montreal.

What are David Gakwerere's areas of interest and what does he aim to achieve in these areas?

David Gakwerere's areas of interest are diversity and inclusion. He aims to work towards full inclusion and participation in society by removing or reducing barriers and promoting respect and acceptance.

What has been David Gakwerere's experience in Ottawa and the National Capital Region?

David Gakwerere has been in Ottawa and the National Capital Region for about 10 years and has had mainly positive experiences, but he has also faced instances where he was not allowed access to certain spaces or was not welcomed when he finally accessed places he was entitled to.

Why does David Gakwerere believe events like Black History Month are important?

David Gakwerere believes events like Black History Month are important because they intentionally take the time to remember and celebrate the contributions of black individuals in Canada.

What is David Gakwerere's resolution for the year regarding diversity and inclusion?

David Gakwerere's resolution for the year is to be more intentional in the areas of diversity and inclusion, to continue learning and unlearning, and to help others become more comfortable with these concepts.

Who is Viola Desmond and why is she an important figure in Canada's history?

Viola Desmond was a thriving entrepreneur, businesswoman, and mentor in Canada, particularly in Nova Scotia. She is an important figure due to her resistance against racial segregation in 1946 when she was removed from a whites-only section of a movie theater and faced violence and legal challenges.

What commonalities does David Gakwerere share with Viola Desmond?

David Gakwerere and Viola Desmond both have large families, with Desmond having ten siblings and Gakwerere having five. Additionally, they both studied in Montreal, which was one of the few places accepting black applicants at the time.

How did Viola Desmond's actions in 1946 impact her and what was the outcome of her court case?

Viola Desmond's actions led to her being escorted out of a movie theater and facing violence for sitting in a whites-only section. She was not allowed to be represented in court, and her case was rejected multiple times. The charges were framed as tax avoidance rather than racial discrimination.

What was the significance of Viola Desmond's business and community involvement before the 1946 incident?

Before the 1946 incident, Viola Desmond was a successful entrepreneur who provided opportunities and encouragement to others, fostering a community in her beauty salons where people could exchange support and feel safe.

What happened to Viola Desmond after the 1946 incident and how was justice eventually served?

After the 1946 incident, Viola Desmond faced significant challenges, including closing her business and relocating to Montreal and then New York. However, she was posthumously granted a free pardon by the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, righting a historical wrong.

How does David Gakwerere view Viola Desmond's legacy and what lesson does he take from her life?

David Gakwerere views Viola Desmond's legacy as a trailblazer who uplifted others and fought for social justice. He takes from her life the lesson that one should never take anything for granted and that there is a continuous need to fight for acceptance and equal rights.