Black Canadian Historical Figures (Advanced)

Question 1

Why do you think Viola Desmond was accused of tax avoidance?

Answer 1

Open written question

• Viola was a succesful business woman
• Viola was not made aware of Black peoples’ extra tax in the theater

Question 2

How is Viola Desmond influential? How is she seen by people then and now?

Answer 2

• Viola was a leader in her community
• She was a fighter against discrimination
• Allowed other communities to see these injustices

Question 3

Describe Viola Desmond’s story.

Answer 3

Viola was removed from theater for sitting in the white-only section.

Question 4

How did Viola have an impact at the time?

Answer 4

Viola gathered and organized allies to protest.

Question 5

What did Lincoln Alexander prioritize?

Answer 5

Lincoln Alexander prioritized
* Fighting racism,
* Promoting multiculturalism
* Advocating for the needs of youth and seniors

Question 6

When did Lincoln Alexander die?

Answer 6

October 19th, 2012

Question 7

Lincoln Alexander’s Notable Firsts

Answer 7

Lincoln Alexander’s Notable Firsts:

• First Elected Black member of Parliament
• First person of colour in a federal cabinet
• First Black served in a vice regal position

Question 8

Lincoln Alexander’s Leading Roles

Answer 8

Lincoln Alexander served as
* The chair of the CRR (Canadian Race Relations), dedicated to the elimination of racial discrimination in Canada
* Chair of Ontario Workers Compensation Board
* Ontario’s 24th Lieutenant Governor (1985)