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Silent march as Bristol stands in solidarity with Grenfell fire victims
As daylight turned to night, people of Bristol marched silently through the streets of Bristol in a show of solidarity with victims of the Grenfell fire.
Carrying pictures of those who lost their lives in the tragedy, young and old walked side by side, bringing rush hour traffic to a standstill in the peaceful campaign to get justice for the many affected by the London tower block blaze.
is needed now More than ever
“We need to make sure it’s no longer profit over people and that people come first,” said Desmond Brown of Bristol4Grenfell, adding: “This is not political, but about standing in solidarity with the people of Grenfell.”
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The aim of the march, organised by Bristol4Grenfell and Bristol People’s Assembly, was to highlight the plight of residents who are still seeking for justice nine months on from the fire on June 14 2017.
It started with rallying speeches at the water fountains in the city centre, where there was evident anger among the placard-carrying crowd at the treatment of survivors and those who had their lives torn apart by the tragedy – many of whom are still stranded in temporary accommodation.
Silence fell as the procession made its way down Baldwin Street, through to the city centre as traffic waited patiently and many passers-by stood respectfully quiet.
In Stokes Croft, a number of cars tooted their horns in a show of solidarity and as darkness fell, the marchers gathered outside the Malcolm X Centre, before filing inside where a one minute silence was held in memory of those who died in the blaze.
Addressing the solemn gathering, Desmond said: “My fear is the reason they do not want this diverse panel is because they do not want uncomfortable truths to come out.
“Unless we get justice now, who is going to be next?”
Paul Smith, the council’s cabinet member for housing spoke of the need to protect the rights and safety of all tenants to make sure nothing like the Grenfell tragedy happens again.
Cleo Lake, Green councillor for Cotham and incoming lord mayor, called the fight for justice a fight that can be won as long as people keep calling for it.
She said: “Tonight we saw how powerful it can be to stand in silence, but there is no power when you are silenced.”
Read more: Bristol to march in silent solidarity with Grenfell fire victims
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