ISCRE Trustee and former SLC Trustee.
On Thursday 5th September, Ipswich and Suffolk said goodbye and thank you to Dr. Albert Grant. Albert had lived a fulfilled life. As a founder of Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality (ISCRE) and a committed community activist, a Councillor and former Mayor of Ipswich, his legacy working with and for local communities will live on for many years. He was also a founding Trustee of Suffolk Law Centre. He was involved in the campaign to get us started.
Albert, we thank you and we, like so many, will miss you.
Suffolk Law Centre staff share a few memories and thoughts of Albert.
Photo from ISCRE’s 45th anniversary at the Hold, Ipswich in 2022.
After this event, I walked with Albert to his car. Albert told me that things had greatly improved for black people in Ipswich and began to speak about what it was like when he first arrived. He explained that it was easy to obtain employment, however, it was very difficult to get housing. Nobody wanted to live next door to him. His children started school, and on parent’s evening – he did not get an appointment to see his children’s teachers because it was assumed that his children would not amount to anything. Albert knew this was wrong and that it had to be challenged. These acts of discrimination led to the formation of ISCRE.
Thank you, Albert, for all that you have done.
Julie
Discrimination Law Caseworker
Joint AGM of ISCRE and Suffolk Law Centre, 2018.
Albert Grant was a dedicated Trustee of ISCRE and Suffolk Law Centre. During my time as Office Manager at ISCRE and Suffolk Law Centre, I worked closely with the Trustees to provide support and organise the bi-monthly Board Meetings. I was fond of Albert as he was always supportive, kind and had a wonderful sense of humour. I grew closer to Albert during the COVID lockdown when I would check in on him to see how he was. We spent many hours on telephone and Teams calls trying to get his laptop working for our then remote Board Meetings. Despite the technical difficulties, he would always show up and try his best. These were some of my favourite memories of him. When I had some time off sick from work for an operation, he sent me the most beautiful bunch of flowers. He was thoughtful and kind and had the biggest heart.
To Albert – Thank you for all the campaigns, causes and people that you dedicated your life to. What an impact you had on Suffolk. We were so lucky to have known you. I will miss you and our chats.
Sophie Steward
Practice Director
Albert is pictured here with fellow ISCRE Trustee, Chris Cumberbatch, helping me to run the ‘A Law Centre for Suffolk’ campaign in August 2017 at Ipswich Multicultural Day, Alexandra Park. Albert is helping to cut out campaign bunting which we were asking members of the public to write or decorate with their reasons why Suffolk needed a Law Centre. We engaged lots of people in these discussions and got some great answers!
Sue
Director of Operations and Development
Dear Dr Grant,
It seems some of us missed crossing paths with you and whilst this is serendipity, it is our loss.
Hearing of you and the legacy you leave in this town and county is inspiring.
Your legacy will no doubt continue as you are remembered with such fondness amongst colleagues at Suffolk Law Centre.
Thank you
Paula
Admin Assistant
