Google’s latest doodle celebrates a notable black Nova Scotian who is considered a pioneer in the fields of writing, journalism, and broadcasting.
On Friday, December 17, Google replaced their main logo with artwork that features Carrie Best, as recognition for both her personal accomplishments and her role in advancing the rights of Black Canadians.
Carrie Mae Prevoe was born on March 4, 1903, in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia during a time of pronounced racial discrimination. Encouraged by her parents to take pride in her heritage, she decided from a young age to refuse racial stereotypes and immerse herself in historical and literary works written by Black Canadians and African-Americans. In 1925, she married Albert T. Best.
In 1943, Best was arrested for sitting in the “whites only” section of New Glasgow’s Roseland Theatre—an act of protest against the forcible removal of several Black teens who attempted to sit there only days before. She then sued the theatre based on racial discrimination but lost the case.
Best is most well known as the founder of The Clarion—one of the first Nova Scotian newspapers owned and operated by Black Canadians.
The artwork was created by Toronto-based artist Alexis Eze who says she was inspired by Best’s role in championing black women’s rights in industries they are underrepresented in, an issue she says she still deals with as a black artist.
Eze hopes people will see the artwork and learn about Best’s story, “The message I hope people take away from my doodle, is that the bold decision of one person has the power to impact many, if not millions of people.”.
