Donald Oliver, a retired senator, lawyer and one of the founding members of the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, has died at age 86.

Russell Grosse, CEO of the Black Cultural Centre, announced Oliver's death in a Facebook post Wednesday, saying he died after a long battle with cardiac amyloidosis.

He described Oliver as a "true pioneer" who was instrumental in the creation of the centre, which opened its doors in 1983 in Cherry Brook.

"It's bittersweet because today, September the 17th, the day of his passing, is also the 42nd birthday of the Black Cultural Centre," Grosse said.

"He's moved the bar for equality for all and ... he's created an opportunity and an important legacy that will never be forgotten."

Historic Senate appointment

Born in Wolfville, N.S., in 1938, Oliver m

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