Violet King: The Professional Trailblazer Who Broke Down Barriers
The first Black woman to become a lawyer in Canada, Violet King spoke out about racism and sexism in the workplace.
“Conditions taken for granted today were obtained by those who struggled in years past.” The descendant of Black settlers from the United States who moved to the prairies, Violet King dreamed of becoming a criminal lawyer. After excelling in her academic studies and extra-curriculars, she would become the first Black Canadian to obtain a law degree in Alberta, and the first Black woman to become a lawyer in Canada. Learn about Violet King’s struggle and success in her own words this #HistoryWeek2023
Credits:
Illustrator - Joseph Bronsau
Produced by Sandbox Inc
Image - Graduation photo of Violet King (Dolly Johnson. Used with permission of the Breton and District Historical Museum, Breton AB)