Viola's Next Steps

Viola’s business plans did not continue as planned. Viola did not go through with setting up a franchise for her beautician supplies throughout Canada. She had a new plan, “She began to invest her money in real estate, believing that this represented greater security in a racially torn society. She bought up homes, renovated them, and rented them out to Black families” (Backhouse 1999, 270). Eventually Viola moved to Montreal where she wanted to pursue another dream of becoming a consultant for the entertainment industry. She then continued to expand her dream and moved to New York City. Shortly after Viola moved to New York she became very sick and died of a gastro-intestinal hemorrhage in 1965. Viola died at age 51 and never fully lived out her dreams. Although she did not live to see her dreams come true she has made a legacy and has had huge impact on Nova Scotia and the rest of Canada.

Viola’s “lawsuit was framed in such a manner that the real issues of white racism were shrouded in procedural technicalities. The judges turned their back son Black claims for racial equality, in certain respects openly condoning racial segregation” (Backhouse 1999, 270-271).

“The legal challenge touched a nerve within the Black community, creating a dramatic upsurge in race consciousness” (Bachbouse 1999, 271).

“Neither before or since has there been such an aggressive effort to obtain rights. The people arose as one and with one voice. This positive stand enhanced the prestige of the Negro community throughout the Province” (Backhouse 1999, 271).

Racism in Nova Scotia has not subsided since. People may not disregard a black person from eating at a restaurant but hostilities are still taking place, racial slurs are still a huge part of our vocabulary and many white people see nothing wrong with it. Our racial knowledge stems from a way in which we were taught, raised and grown in certain societies and cultures. Is there a way this can be changed? Or will experiences like Viola’s continue to happen? Will racism ever subside?