August is Alberta Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the people, places, and stories that have shaped our province. Earlier this year, our community gathered to officially name Violet King Park in honour of one of Hillhurst Sunnyside's most remarkable trailblazers.
Born in Calgary in 1929 and raised in Sunnyside, Violet King was a trailblazer whose accomplishments helped open doors for future generations. In 1953, she became the first Black person to earn a law degree in Alberta. One year later, she became the first Black person admitted to the Alberta Bar and the first Black woman to practice law in Canada. Throughout her career, she challenged barriers and inspired future generations through her leadership, determination, and commitment to equality.
Violet's connection to our neighbourhood runs deep. Her parents, John and Stella King, settled in Sunnyside in 1919, where they raised their family. Her father worked as a sleeping car porter with the Canadian Pacific Railway, while her mother worked as a seamstress. Alongside Violet's groundbreaking achievements, her brother Theodore "Ted" King became a prominent civil rights advocate in Alberta, championing equality and helping raise awareness of discriminatory practices.
While the official naming of Violet King Park was an important milestone for the Hillhurst Sunnyside community, it is only part of the story. Through the Violet King Park Commemorative Project, HSCA, community members, community partners, and donors are working together to create a space that will help tell Violet King's story for generations to come. Planned commemorative features will encourage learning, reflection, and a deeper appreciation of both Violet King's contributions and the rich history of our neighbourhood.
During Heritage Month, we invite you to learn more about the Violet King Park Commemorative Project and consider supporting this meaningful community initiative. Together, we can help preserve an important piece of local history and ensure Violet King's legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Help Shape Violet King's Legacy
To learn more about the Violet King Park Commemorative Project or to make a donation, please visit hsca.ca/violet-king-park.
Sources and Further Reading
• Building Social and Community Life: Violet King and Theodore King, Hillhurst Sunnyside Historical Context Paper, pp. 80–81
• Violet King, The Canadian Encyclopedia
• Cordeiro, Lorna. February is Black History Month in Canada: Violet King. HSCA Blog, February 3, 2020. Written for the Hillhurst Sunnyside Heritage Sub-Committee.