By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban
Dan Philips, the longtime Montreal civil rights activist and founder of the Black Coalition of Quebec, passed away in his 85th year Monday April 1. In tribute, the Coalition said Philip’s life was “profoundly linked to its motto he helped create ‘We Stand For Human Rights, Stand With Us’ “ The Coalition said that Philip was, “characterized by his fight for the disadvantaged, to ensure that justice prevails everywhere and at all times.”
The organization added that Philip’s passing, “…will leave no one indifferent. He was not only a distinguished character recognized for his commitment to justice and the defence of rights, but he represented and exercised leadership that changed the face of the Black Coalition for decades by championing the aspirations of the Black community. A true pillar of the community, Dan Philip represented not only the Afro-descendants, but an ideal. This ideal embodies the value of ‘true living together’ with respect for the particularities and characteristics of all. He bequeaths us an enormous legacy.”
Philip was honoured for his activism numerous times, including as a recipient of the D’Arcy McGee riding National Assembly Citizenship Medal medal in 2019. The citation pointed out that “over the past five decades and more, Dan has distinguished himself as a defender of society’s most vulnerable, raising his voice in instances of police abuse and against all instances of the violation of rights of all Quebecers.
‘He was a leading political force in the anti-apartheid movement in the city and in the early 1980s, he joined with other social justice advocates in helping Haitian [taxi] drivers in their fight against discrimination and racism in the taxi industry.” Philip was also honoured by B’nai Brith Canada this past October.
Marvin Rotrand, the former longtime Snowdon councillor and former head of B’nai Brith Canada’s League For Human Rights, told The Suburban that he and Philip “worked closely together on many issues during the time I was a City Councillor, including on recognizing [the Quebec cemetery] N—-r Rock in St. Armand as a place of national historic importance, the noting by the City of Montreal August 22 as the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition and on issues to promote better relations between the police department and the Black community.
“One of my last motions before leaving office in 2021 was lauding his work to combat hate and discrimination and build bridges between communities. Dan’s work led to the desegregation of Montreal’s taxi industry and convinced the government of Quebec to toughen rules to prevent discrimination in housing, ending what at one time was a common practice of landlords refusing to rent to Blacks.”
Current Snowdon councillor Sonny Moroz posted, “deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dan Philip. His tireless dedication to civil rights and his efforts to combat discrimination have left an indelible mark on our community. Sending heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. May he rest in peace.”
Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather said, “My deepest sympathies to Dan Philip’s family and friends. A great community leader for decades. He will be sorely missed.
Former MP Marlene Jennings wrote, “A sad day hearing of the loss of Dan Philip. He was a tireless advocate against anti-black racism and for human rights for all. He will be missed.” n