Ipswich Borough Council pays tribute to former Mayor Albert Grant who has died at the age of 89.
Albert was born in 1934 in Barbados and settled in Ipswich when he moved to the UK with his wife Ena at the age of 21 in 1955. He was first elected as Ipswich Borough Councillor for the Whitehouse Ward in the mid-1980s and represented the area for a total of 26 years, retiring from the Council in 2016.
Taking office as Mayor of Ipswich in 1995-1996, he became the town’s first Black Mayor.
Also well-known and highly respected as a community leader, Albert worked with many people and organisations to improve the lives of others and integrate communities. He was one of the founders of the Ipswich Caribbean Association and the Ipswich and Suffolk West Indian Association, as well as a founder and later trustee of the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality. His work for community relations in the town was recognised in 2000 when he was awarded the OBE for services to the Ipswich community. He received an honorary doctorate from the University of Suffolk in October 2021.
Current Mayor, Councillor Elango Elavalakan, says:
"It is with great sadness that we learn of the loss of Albert Grant. We send our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this time. Albert served the people of Ipswich for more than a quarter of a century as an Ipswich Borough Councillor and carried out terms as Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
“He made important and inspiring contributions to the lives of the people of Ipswich – not just in his roles as Mayor and councillor but also through his decades of involvement in many other local causes and organisations. He is remembered for his unswerving dedication to tackling racism and deep commitment to equality and justice.
“As we mourn his loss, we also recognise his remarkable service and achievements along with the profound impact he made on all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
