London is set to commemorate the Grenfell Tower tragedy this week.
360 days ago, in the most shocking disaster on British soil in recent history, 72 Londoners who lived in Grenfell Tower lost their lives.
This week, Londoners will gather in memory of the victims, in support for those who lost loved ones, and in solidarity with those who survived.
On Thursday, June 14, the anniversary of the fire, a series of events in the local community will take place.
Wherever you are, all are invited to observe a minute’s silence in memory of the victims at midday.
At 7pm, after a candlelit vigil, a silent walk will set off from Maxilla Walk, near Latimer Tube Station – as it has every month since the tragedy first happened. Organisers say that:
‘In what has been the toughest year so far we have remained dignified and have remained united.
We ask that this silent walk is used to pay respects and to honour those no longer with us. We carry the memory with us on every walk and are keen to make this walk all about love and unity!’
There’s more information on the Facebook page.
On Saturday, June 16, a demonstration will take place in central London as part of the Justice 4 Grenfell campaign, demanding greater efforts to hold authorities to account and support those who lost their homes. Details on that are here.
Other events in solidarity will also be taking place around the country.
In a commemorative service at St. Clement’s Church this past weekend, the bishop of Kensington, Rt Rev Dr Graham Tomlin, said:
“Grenfell Tower today stands as a symbol of tragedy, pain and our failure to care for one another.
Somehow that building was allowed to get to the stage where a small fire could spread so quickly with the resulting trauma this community has experienced over the last year, the 72 precious lives that were lost as a result.”
“Imagine in 20 years’ time, looking back on Grenfell Tower. It was a trigger for a sea change in the way we looked after each other in our cities, the time that we decided once and for all to provide good quality, safe social and affordable housing, that we learned to look out for one another, even to love one another as good neighbours, not just in times of disaster, but as a regular way of life.” – via The Guardian
[Header photo: Grenfell Speaks.]