Violet Pauline King Henry was born on October 18, 1929, in Calgary, Canada to a family that had relocated from the United States during the Great Migration. Growing up in Calgary, she attended Crescent Heights High School and went on to study at the University of Alberta. It was during her time at university that she decided to pursue a law degree, a field that was predominantly male-dominated at the time.
Despite the challenges she faced as one of only three women in a class of 142 students, Violet was determined to succeed. She worked tirelessly to excel in her studies, all while teaching piano to help pay for her college education. Her dedication and perseverance paid off when she became the first black person to graduate law in Alberta.
After passing the Alberta Bar exam, Violet began her career practicing criminal law in Calgary. She quickly made a name for herself as a talented and dedicated lawyer, breaking down barriers and shattering stereotypes along the way. In 1965, she married Godfrey C. Henry, and the following year, the couple welcomed their daughter, Jo-Anne.
Violet's passion for justice and equality led her to expand her career to the United States, where she became the first woman to hold a senior management position at the national YMCA. Throughout her time in the legal field, she remained an advocate for marginalized communities and fought tirelessly for social justice.
Although her life was cut short by cancer at the age of 52, Violet's impact on the legal profession and society as a whole is undeniable. In 2021, the Federal Building Plaza in Alberta was officially named the "Violet King Henry Plaza" in her honor. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of lawyers and activists to break down barriers and fight for a more just and equitable world.
Her contributions to the legal field and her unwavering commitment to social justice have left an indelible mark on the world. Violet Pauline King Henry will always be remembered as a trailblazer, a champion for equality, and a fearless advocate for those who have been marginalized and oppressed.