Sunnyside Honors Legacy of Violet King, Canada's First Black Female Lawyer
The community of Sunnyside in Calgary marked a significant moment in Black history on Sunday afternoon with a park-naming ceremony dedicated to Violet King, who made history as Canada's first Black female lawyer. The event, held at a green space blanketed in snow across from King's childhood home, celebrated her groundbreaking achievements and enduring legacy.
A Trailblazer's Journey
Violet King, born in Calgary in 1929, shattered barriers throughout her career. In 1953, she became the first Black Canadian to earn a law degree in Alberta. The following year, she achieved another milestone as the first Black person admitted to the Alberta bar and the first Black woman to practice law in Canada. King famously defied societal expectations, once stating: 'People told me it wasn’t a good idea for a girl, particularly a coloured girl to be a lawyer, so I went ahead.'
Her parents, John and Stella King, were part of an African-American group of farmers who migrated from Oklahoma to Alberta in 1911 to escape racism. King lived in the Sunnyside home from her birth until 1975, passing away in New York in 1982.
Ceremony and Community Reflections
The naming ceremony for Violet King Park drew attendees braving the cold, including community representatives and officials. Lorna Cordeiro, a representative from the Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association committee, highlighted the deep connection between the King family and the neighborhood.
'The Kings would have looked upon this green space from their living room window, now the Violet King Park, and every day they would have walked by it. Every day they would have played in it, it would have been part of their life,' Cordeiro said.
She emphasized how physical locations like this park facilitate discussions about history, helping communities learn from the past to prevent its repetition and better understand figures like the King family. 'History gives us context, strengthens community ties, our feeling of responsibility and ownership, and like this park and the house overlooking it, gives us a sense of place,' Cordeiro added.
Commemorative Elements and Inspirational Impact
In addition to the park naming, plans include installing a commemorative element—such as a bench, plaque, or artwork—to honor King's contributions. Ward 7 Councillor Myke Atkinson underscored the importance of recognizing such historical pieces, noting that they connect Calgary's past with its future.
The ceremony also featured participants like University of Calgary law student Leann Baker and Malinda Smith, the university's Associate Vice-President Research for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, reflecting King's ongoing inspiration in education and social justice.
This event not only pays tribute to a local hero but also reinforces the value of preserving cultural identity and fostering community dialogue through historical acknowledgment.
