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‘She let nothing stand in her way:’ Viola Desmond honoured with Walk of Fame star in Halifax

Click to play video: 'Viola Desmond receives star from Canada’s Walk of Fame in Halifax'
Viola Desmond receives star from Canada’s Walk of Fame in Halifax
WATCH: Civil rights activist Viola Desmond has been honoured with a star from Canada’s Walk of Fame in Halifax. Alexa MacLean has more – Jun 29, 2018

Wanda Robson says her older sister Viola Desmond “preached by doing,” and wanted young people to emulate her idea of success.

Robson beamed as a Canada’s Walk of Fame star was unveiled in Halifax this afternoon in honour of the civil rights pioneer.

The star will be mounted aboard the harbour ferry recently named for Desmond.

READ: N.S. civil rights icon Viola Desmond added to Canada’s Walk of Fame

The 91-year-old Robson told a crowd gathered at the Halifax Ferry Terminal that her sister fought to overcome the many obstacles in her way to pursue a career as a businesswoman and beautician.

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Desmond was arrested, thrown in jail for 12 hours and fined after she refused to leave the whites-only section of a New Glasgow movie theatre on Nov. 8, 1946.

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It would take 63 years for Nova Scotia to issue Desmond, who died in 1965, a posthumous apology and pardon.

WATCH: Hometown star for trailblazer Viola Desmond

Click to play video: 'Hometown star for trailblazer Viola Desmond'
Hometown star for trailblazer Viola Desmond

Robson says she was thrilled at the many recent honours for her sister.

In March, a new $10 bill featuring Desmond was unveiled by Finance Minister Bill Morneau and Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz.

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