Interactive Novel

No Reason to Apologize

The Resilient Legacy of Viola Desmond

In 1946, when Viola Desmond refused to give up her seat in the whites-only section of a cinema, she took a stand against injustice and became an enduring icon for racial equality and human rights.

Viola stands at the entrance of the Roseland Theatre

Features

Who was Viola Desmond and why is she important? Beautiful illustrations portray her life and the aftermath of her actions.

Features include archival images, original videos, and soundtrack.

Teaching Resources

This novel comes with a comprehensive suite of curriculum-connected resources and lesson plans, paving the way for classroom implementation. The content is bilingual in English and French and recommended for students in Grades 6-12.

Illustration of Viola teaching her students about the provinces of Canada.

Videos

Q&A with Playwright Andrea Scott 
Black Life in the Early 20th Century
History of the Black Community in Nova Scotia
Viola Desmond’s Legacy

Teaching Resources