Tributes paid to town's first black mayor

Dr Albert Grant OBE, who moved to the UK in 1955, has died aged 89

Tributes have been paid to Albert Grant OBE, the first black mayor of Ipswich, who has died at the age of 89.

Dr Grant has been described as a "trailblazer" whose unrelenting fight for equality proved an "inspiration to so many".

He served as a local councillor for 26 years and deputy mayor for one year, as well as a founding member of both the Ipswich Caribbean Association and the Ipswich and Suffolk West Indian Association.

The MP for Ipswich, Jack Abbott, said: "He was a dedicated public servant, a passionate campaigner, and an inspiration to so many. A great man who committed his life to helping other people."

Dr Grant was born in 1934 in Barbados and settled in Ipswich when he moved to the UK at the age of 21 in 1955.

Dr Grant served as Ipswich's first black mayor and was also a councillor for 26 years

Dr Grant, who was appointed OBE for services to the Ipswich community, was also a school governor at multiple schools for more than three decades.

Mr Abbott added: "I am deeply saddened to learn that Albert Grant OBE has passed away.

“Albert was a trailblazer, serving as the first black mayor of Ipswich and as a local councillor for more than a quarter of a century."

Former councillor Glen Chisholm (left) has described Dr Grant as a "giant" who will be missed

He received an honorary doctorate from the University of Suffolk in October 2021.

At the time, the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality said he had "dedicated his life to tackling racism and fighting to secure equality and justice".

'He was a legend'

Former councillor Glen Chisholm also remembered his "friend, mentor, and inspiration".

"Ipswich has lost a giant," he added.

“Albert was the first black mayor of Ipswich and worked with many people and organisations to improve the lives of others.

“He was forefront in the fight against prejudice as one of the founding members of Ipswich and Suffolk Council For Racial Equality.

“It's hard to find the words, but he was a legend, and his legacy needs to be honoured because he impacted lots of lives.

“My thoughts are with Albert's family and the many people whose lives he touched."