The media instead focused on the minor disturbances that occurred in a relatively peaceful protests. However, despite the indifference shown by the state and media alike, the marchers proclaimed: ‘Come what may, we are here to stay’. #OTD #EachOneTeachOne✊🏿

During the Black People's Day of Action (2nd March 1981), the victims of the fire were publicly memorialised, when up to 20,000 people marched from New Cross Road to Hyde Park, with many carrying placards bearing pictures of the 13 victims with their names #OTD #EachOneTeachOne✊🏿

In the face of silence, the New Cross Massacre Action Committee was established by activists across London, who sought to raise awareness of the massacre, raise money for the bereaved, and sought to establish the true cause of the fire #OTD #EachOneTeachOne✊🏿

The fire became a rallying point for political action for Black Britons. The police were scapegoating the community and the media barely reported on it, with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher failing to send condolences #OTD #EachOneTeachOne✊🏿

As stated above, the NF were active in the area - just three years prior to this, the NF burned down Deptford’s Albany Empire community theatre, so these suspicions were grounded in reality - for these reasons, the New Cross Fire is sometimes referred to as a massacre #OTD #EachOneTeachOne✊🏿

The Black community were shocked by the indifference of the white community and were especially aghast at the response of the police, who they felt were covering up the true cause of the fire, which they suspected was an arson attack motivated by racism #OTD #EachOneTeachOne✊🏿

Initially, the fascist National Front (NF) was to blame, especially given the corroboration of eyewitness testimonies. The fire also took place during a time of far right extremism and racist attacks perpetrated by the National Front as well as local far right groups. #OTD #EachOneTeachOne✊🏿

The 'New Cross Fire' would end up claiming the lives of 13 young Black Britons, including Yvonne and her brother Paul that night, and more than 50 people were injured. Two and a half years later, Anthony Berbeck took his own life, becoming the 14th victim of the fire.

#OTD #EachOneTeachOne✊🏿