Born: 1929 (Calgary, Alberta)
Biography:
Violet Pauline King Henry was born on October 18, 1929, and left an indelible mark as a trailblazer and pioneer throughout her life. She holds the distinction of being the first black woman lawyer in Canada, the first black person to graduate law in Alberta, and the first black person to be admitted to the Alberta Bar. Her accomplishments not only shattered barriers but also opened doors for future generations of black women in the legal profession.
Violet’s early life was marked by determination and ambition. She attended Crescent Heights High School, where she distinguished herself as a leader. In grade 12, she served as the president of the Girls Association and left her mark on her yearbook with her intention to study criminal law, a highly unusual pursuit for a young woman at the time. Her passion for justice was evident from an early age.
In 1948, Violet embarked on her journey at the University of Alberta. She joined the feminist Blue Stocking Club, which was modeled after the Blue Stockings Society. Her involvement in various student organizations showcased her ability to lead and advocate for change. She served as the Vice-President of the Students Union and represented the Students’ Union at the National Federation of Canadian University Students. In her final year, Violet became the class historian and represented Alberta at the International Student Services Conference in Hamilton in 1952, further cementing her commitment to education and global perspectives.
While pursuing her studies, Violet faced numerous challenges, including financial constraints. To overcome this obstacle, she taught piano, demonstrating her resourcefulness and determination to achieve her goals. Her hard work and dedication paid off, and she was one of just four students to receive an Executive A gold ring at Color Night, the university’s annual celebration of student contributions. This recognition placed Violet alongside future premier Peter Lougheed, Ivan Head (future advisor to Pierre Trudeau), and lawyer Garth Fryett, highlighting her exceptional achievements.
In 1953, Violet graduated with her law degree from the University of Alberta, positioning her as a pioneer in the legal field. With perseverance and tenacity, she was admitted to the Alberta Bar the following year. Her accomplishments garnered widespread attention in the media, with newspapers such as The Calgary Herald, The Albertan, and The Edmonton Journal prominently featuring her groundbreaking achievements. Violet’s historic legal accomplishments were celebrated as significant milestones in Canadian law, solidifying her place in history.
Beyond her legal pursuits, Violet had a deep connection to African-American settlement in Alberta. Her father, John, and his extended family relocated to Amber Valley, Alberta, in 1911. They were part of a group of African American farmers who migrated from Oklahoma to Alberta to escape racist laws and participate in the Great Migration. Settling in Keystone, Alberta (now Breton, Alberta), southwest of Edmonton, they contributed to the Canadian Prairie landscape and forged a vibrant community. Although the original plan for migration envisioned white settlers, African Americans like Violet’s family became an integral part of Alberta’s cultural tapestry.
Violet’s parents, John and Stella, eventually moved to Calgary in 1919, where her father worked as a porter and her mother as a seamstress. The King family embodied resilience and community, actively participating in and contributing to the black community in Calgary. They epitomized the strength and spirit of African Americans who sought better lives in Canada.
Violet’s achievements and contributions did not go unnoticed. The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, a key player in the civil rights movement, celebrated her accomplishments, emphasizing their historical significance. Both the union’s president and vice-president acknowledged her groundbreaking achievements, underscoring their awareness of the barriers she had overcome and the path she had forged for others.
Violet King Henry’s legacy transcends her pioneering legal career. Her unyielding determination, ambition, and commitment to justice inspire women and ethnic minorities to this day. Her invaluable contributions to Canadian law and her advocacy for equality continue to shape and transform society. Violet’s remarkable life serves as a testament to the power of breaking barriers and creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all.