By rdnewsNOW staff

Violet King Henry

Alberta renames federal building plaza to honour Canada’s first black lawyer

Feb 26, 2021 | 1:20 PM

The Federal Building Plaza in Edmonton has been renamed the Violet King Henry Plaza in honour of the first Black female lawyer in Canada.

Violet King Henry helped blaze a trail for women and the Black community in Alberta. Thanks to her achievements, future generations were able to pursue new opportunities, ultimately building a stronger and more inclusive province.

“Violet King Henry was a trailblazer who broke glass ceilings and is a role model for women and girls to this day. Naming this plaza after her gives her the recognition she deserves, shares her incredible story with all Albertans, and inspires all of us,” says Leela Aheer, Alberta’s Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women.

“Violet King Henry dedicated her life to fighting for Black people’s rights. Today we pay tribute not just to her incredible legacy, but also the countless men and women who enjoyed greater opportunities because of the doors she opened,” says Kaycee Madu, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General.

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“As Violet King Henry’s only child, I cannot tell you how thrilled, honoured, humbled and excited myself and my family are that the Government of Alberta is recognizing my mother in this way,” said her daughter, Jo-Anne Henry-Bent.

“She was just as courageous, brilliant and steadfast as a mother as she was as a trail-blazing leader. I have no doubt that she is smiling with great joy at this honour, and my family and I can’t wait to make our journey to Alberta to visit all of the sites significant to our family’s history, especially this beautiful plaza that will now bear her name.”

Violet King Henry was born in Calgary in 1929 and attended the University of Alberta from 1948 to 1953. She became the first Black person to obtain a law degree in Alberta, the first Black person admitted to the Alberta Bar, and the first Black woman lawyer in Canada.