More than 200 people gathered at St Andrew's Church in Brockley, south-east London on Sunday to mark the 45th anniversary of the New Cross fire that killed 14 young black people. Families and community leaders paid tribute to the victims at a memorial service, with attendees urged to «hold one another with compassion and care».
The fire engulfed a birthday party on New Cross Road on January 18, 1981. The victims were aged between 14 and 22. One victim, Anthony Berbeck, took his own life in 1983.
Initially, many believed racists had thrown a petrol bomb into the house. The tragedy sparked a mass protest as 10,000 people marched through central London demanding answers and justice.
Calls for Justice
Baroness Benjamin, the former Playschool presenter, told the service that families «have never received the justice they so clearly and desperately deserve». She described the 14 victims as «14 stars» and said: «It's as if their children's lives don't matter, and the trauma, depression and mental health effects families must endure each day looking for answers and closure, all of that is not important. This shameful part of history has left a stain on British society.»
Professor Patrick Vernon, a cultural historian and Windrush campaigner, said at the service that the fire «exposed how black lives, black grief and black suffering were treated in this country».
Sir Steve Bullock, former mayor of Lewisham, noted the community had learned «there was a deep-rooted racism in British society». He added: «We know that in the last 45 years there have been positive changes but we also know that there is much more to be done, and we owe it to those young people to keep struggling against racism and hatred in all its forms, locally, nationally and internationally.»
Personal Tributes
Sandra Ruddock, who survived the fire but lost her husband and sister-in-law, spoke movingly at the service. She said: «Today is not only about mourning the loss but about recognising the love that still exists because of them – smiles, conversations and shared moments and ordinary days with them that now mean everything. In remembering them we keep them close. In moments like this, we are reminded of how connected we are and how important it is to hold one another with compassion and care. Let us follow those we've lost by remembering them with dignity and by caring for those who are hurting and always choosing kindness.»
Richard Gooding paid tribute to his brother Andrew, who was 14 when he died. He told the service: «In 1981 my brother Andrew was only 14 years old when his life was taken. My mother was 46 years old and struggled with the loss of her youngest son. I would like to say how much I respect and admire the strength and courage of the survivors and also the families and parents who suffered so much grief and pain.»
Gooding's 91-year-old mother attended the service and was brought on stage. His late father had attended every memorial service until his death.
Still No Answers
Two inquests into the fire recorded open verdicts, leaving families without definitive answers. At the second inquest, the coroner concluded it was «more likely than not» that the fire had been deliberately started by a flame applied to an armchair. However, the coroner could not return an unlawful killing verdict due to uncertainty about the cause.
During Sunday's service, a candle was lit for each of the 14 victims as attendees declared «we remember you». A «lantern of hope» was then lit and moved towards a memorial stained glass window.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
