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About Bernie Grant Memory box The Archive Exhibitions Resources
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Love & Hate
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Love
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Hate
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Bernie Grant - People's Champion
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*Love in the Bernie Grant Archives
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Funeral Procession
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Photograph of Bernie Grant's funeral procession at Alexandra Palace, April 2000.
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Generally considered to be Britains foremost black spokesman and one of the most charismatic black political leaders of modern times, 5000 people attended Bernie Grant's funeral at what was probably the largest black funeral that Britain has ever seen.

Among those in attendance were celebrities such as Clive Lloyd, former West Indies cricket captain, Jazzy B, founder member of the band Soul II Soul, the Deputy Prime Minister, Ministers of the Cabinet, scores of MPs, Ambassadors and High Commissioners and many well known figures in British life of all races. Members of his surviving family include his wife Sharon Grant, father Eric, brother Leyland, sisters Rosamund, Waveny and Effua, and his three sons by a former marriage, Steven, Alex and Jimmy.

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Tribute to an African Rebel
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Everybody loves a rebel and a champion for the people, and Bernie Grant was certainly both of these and proud of it. Though often considered controversial because he dared to speak and fight against the implicit racism of British institutions and organisations, Bernie Grant received the respect of many communities and leaders on a local, national and global scale.

Here are just some of the countless tributes found within condolence books, letters, cards and press obituaries in the collection. These archival records bear witness to the immense affection in which he was held on his untimely passing on 8 April 2000:
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Heart

"Though in life he was an outspoken maverick, in death, Bernie Grant was praised from the heights of the Establishment, from Cabinet ministers and Scotland Yard to political associates and black community leaders…”. Campaign group Operation Black Vote."."
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Heart

"Bernie touched the lives of so many people in a lifetimes work as both a national and local politician, and there will be a great sadness today. We have lost a great fighter and a champion of justice for oppressed people everywhere. He had a huge heart and I guess that he just wore it out.” Sharon Grant, Bernie Grant's widow.
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Heart

"Bernie will be remembered as a hugely popular man of the people that every black man and woman should aspire to emulate". Lee Jasper, Grant supporter, and chair of the National Black Alliance and the campaign group Operation Black Vote.
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Heart

“You were the greatest person working for the black community, love Doreen Lawrence.” Doreen Lawrence, mother of the murdered black teenager Stephen.
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Heart

“Bernie Grant's death left a huge sense of loss. Here in Tottenham you lost a dedicated MP, and for many of you, a dear friend. The black community across Britain lost an inspiration. And injustice everywhere lost a fierce opponent.” Prime Minister Tony Blair
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Heart

"Bernie's achievement was huge in making our society more tolerant and decent." Mr Jack Straw, Home Secretary.
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Heart

"Some people think it reasonable to support the view that Bernie Grant and the police were on different sides. Nothing could be further from the truth." Chief Superintendent of Police Steven James
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Heart

 “With great love, affection and gratitude to the man who first let me in the door at Westminster. Love always Oona.” – MP Oona Kings sentiments as recorded within the Alexandra Palace condolence book.
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Heart

“Respect Dear Brother. Respect. Yours was a true and great heart. Paul Boateng.” – MP Paul Boatengs reverence for Bernie as expressed in the Alexandra Palace condolence book.
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Members of the Tottenham community have affectionately referred to Bernie Grant as “The Minister for Black People”, “A great leader of truth and justice” and “The light of Tottenham” in the book of condolences and in personal correspondence to Bernie Grant's widow Sharon Grant.

The following are excerpts from some further tributes recorded by Tottenham residents, colleagues and friends, reflecting the deep sense of love and loss that was felt by many:

  • “You started something that united everyone together”


  • “…Bernie was our voice on many issues. He was very considerate and thoughtful. Who spoke on behalf of the OROMO in Ethiopia…”


  • “Thank you for all of the support you offered to families living with HIV/AIDS…”


  • “The people of Tottenham have a lost a star in their crown…”


  • “…I loved Bernie for his warmth and strength especially when he represented the struggles of all oppressed people…”


  • “Farewell Bernie. The people of Tottenham have lost a wonderful representative – someone who would take up the day to day personal problems of ordinary working people, however large or small…We pledge to continue the fight for a just society – the people of Tottenham can stand tall and be proud of one of their finest sons.”


  • “A son of Guyanas soil, a leader, a fighter, who should be remembered not only in Guyana, Great Britain but the world at large.”


  • “Equal Opportunities moved on 200 years because of you (maybe even 2000)…”


  • “We will miss your strength, laughter and ability to challenge in the face of defeat”


  • “You carried the Black mans burden in the corridors of power. You made them stand up and listen.”


  • “…Thanks for helping and encouraging us on Broadwater Farm, after the riots and beyond…”


  • “You have been an inspiration to all in the British Black Community. You spoke out for us and stood by your words…”


  • “Bernie you are sadly missed by the people of Tottenham. You were always there for the underprivileged. Wherever you are, our love goes with you.”


  • “He was a great man and he will always be in my heart. There will never be another like him.”


  • “A man of valour, a soldier of courage working diligently, steadfastly to change what he felt was unjust in society, a man who will always be remembered for his fighting spirit and never too tired to stand up for what is right and just...”


  • “Thank you for your boldness in your words and deeds”


  • “Ill never forget what you did for my family…”


  • “A hero in my heart”


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