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Singing For Viola

from Constitution by The Afro-Métis Nation

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about

In praise of Nova Scotian entrepreneur and civil rights champion, Viola Desmond (1914-1965).

lyrics

SINGING FOR VIOLA
Words and music by Chris White

For Viola Desmond (July 6, 1914 - February 7, 1965)
She was travelling on business when her car broke down She found herself stranded in New Glasgow town
She thought maybe a movie would erase her frown Back in 1946
She bought herself a ticket and she took a seat
In an area reserved for the White elite
So they dragged her from the theatre and onto the street Saying, Black and White do not mix!
Chorus:
Singing for Viola, loud and strong, we are
Singing for Viola, to right the wrong
We’ve got to build a world where we all belong . . . For Viola we are singing a song
They hurt her hip and locked her up all night
Denied her bail and ignored her rights
But even though she shivered from the cold and fright Viola held her head high
The trial and the judgment took a terrible toll Troubling her deeply in her mind and soul
Oppressed by forces she could not control Viola watched her dreams die
Chorus
We lost Viola back in ‘65
It’s been many years since that fateful drive Now we all must work to keep her spirit alive And make sure we’re doing what’s right
So here’s to Viola and to Carrie Best
Gwen Jenkins, Portia White and all the rest – Everyone of colour who is put to the test And pays a price for their fight
Chorus (repeat)
For Viola we are singing a song For Viola we are singing a song!

credits

from Constitution, released April 25, 2019
Chris White - Lead vocals, Backing vocals, Guitar
Brent Williams - Backing vocals
Sugar Plum Croxen - Backing vocals
Russ Kelley - Backing vocals
Shelley Hamilton - Backing vocals
Karen Ashton - Electric guitar
Gilbert Daye - Conga drums
John Showman - Violin

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The Afro-Métis Nation Ontario

George Elliott Clarke, O.C., has served as Poet Laureate of Parliament and Poet Laureate of Toronto. Shelley Hamilton is a two-time winner of the ANSMA 'Artist of the Year' Award. Russ Kelley and Chris White are performing songwriters and recording artists. 'Sugar Plum' Croxen has performed and toured since his teens. These artists honour their Black and Indigenous ancestors though this work. ... more

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