Front-page headline of the Halifax Herald from February 19, 1919. (via Halifax Government Website)

February 18-19, 1919, Halifax experienced anti-Chinese riots, a disturbing episode fueled by post-WWI social tensions, economic anxieties, and racial prejudice. Returning soldiers, facing unemployment, sometimes directed frustrations towards minority groups. Chinese-owned businesses, particularly laundries and restaurants, were targeted, resulting in property damage and intimidation. These riots were not isolated, reflecting a broader pattern of systemic discrimination faced by Chinese Canadians nationwide, including legislated restrictions on immigration and civil rights. The events in Halifax underscored the precarious situation of Chinese immigrants, who were often unfairly blamed for societal problems and lacked adequate protection, highlighting the deep-seated racism of the era.