One of the pillars of Quebec's black community has retired from active life as a defender of civil rights - Dan Philip was the head of the Black Coalition of Quebec for over 40 years.
Philip has been advocating for the rights of the black community for half a century, most of that time as the president of the advocacy group which often spoke out against racism and discrimination.
"The coalition was started by many people. It was based on human rights. We had the Sir George Williams riot (and other events) and black people couldn't get representation. (We) questioned at one time why a black taxi driver - particularly Haitian - couldn't drive a taxi in the city," said Philip in an interview with CJAD 800.
In 1969, black students alleged discrimination by a professor at the university now known as Concordia; their grievances led to a sit-in protest ending in a riot and a fire at the computer lab in the Henry F. Hall building.
Philip was a staunch advocate of accountability regarding police brutality against visible minorities during high-profile cases such as the 1987 police shooting death of Anthony Griffin and the 1992 police beating of Richard Barnabé who died after 29 months in a coma.
The coalition has also been vocal in demanding more diversity on city council.
Philip said while issues such as racial profiling by police continue to make the news, he's heartened to see the Black Lives Matter movement gain traction after the efforts of groups like his.
"It is what you call a continuum," said Philip.
In a statement, longtime Snowdon city councillor Marvin Rotrand said Philip is "universally respected for honesty and courage. While he has never been elected to public office, I see him as our own John Lewis: a champion for equality and harmonious racial relations."
Philip's successor is lawyer Max Stanley Bazin.