Perspective: Thousands of cash machines in Canada, need upgrading to handle new Ca$10 Viola Desmond bank notes
Perspective
You will recall that we featured Viola Desmond, a coloured woman who faced racism in Canada. In a nutshell she was arrested for daring to attend a whites only theatre. She was chosen to be the face on a Ca$10 note in Canada a few years ago. This is the first time a female, other than a monarch will be on any paper note in Canada.
Colour Barrier Broken
This is a monumental achievement for a person of colour to be so recognized. Of such, for many this is a big deal when one takes the past segregation policies in context. In short this is a quantum leap in race relations in Canada.
Machines
Adjusting vending and other money machines to recognize this new $10 note are small hitches for such a quantum leap forward. As a person of colour this move to recognize Viola Desmond is seen by me and likely others, as saying we apologize for past hurts inflicted. I am pleased to be alive to experience this groundbreaking development in race relations in Canada.
“There is no super race, Hitler was wrong”. Better late than never. What is your perspective? This is ours. “Racism is an affront to decency'” long stated the undersigned.
Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is Senior International Correspondent & Photojournalist for Vision Newspaper Canada.
