January 18th marks forty-two years since “the greatest tragedy to affect Britain’s black community”, the New Cross Massacre. (1)
The fire at 439 New Cross Road ultimately took fourteen lives was characterised by the collective grief and anger of the Afrikan community set against the callous indifference of the UK establishment. (2) Nevertheless, we had young lives to mourn:
Patrick Cummings, 21 September 1964 – 18 January 1981
Andrew Gooding,18 February 1966 – 18 January 1981
Peter Campbell, 23 February 1962 – 18 January 1981
Gerry Paul Francis, 21 August 1963 – 18 January 1981
Steve Collins, 2 May 1963 – 18 January 1981
Patricia Johnson, 16 May 1965 – 18 January 1981
Rosaline Henry, 23 September 1964 – 18 January 1981
Lloyd Hall, 28 November 1960 – 18 January 1981
Humphrey Geoffrey Brown, 4 July 1962 – 18 January 1981
Owen Thompson, 11 September 1964 – 18 January 1981
Yvonne Ruddock, 17 January 1965 – 24 January 1981
Glenton Powell, 18 January 1966 – 25 January 1981
Paul Ruddock, 19 November 1958 – 9 February 1981
Anthony Berbeck, 17 August 1962 – 9 July 1983
Controversy still rages about its cause. Many in the community are convinced it was the result of a racist attack, while others are adamant that it wasn’t. However, there is little disagreement that the aftermath, the state response, the police investigation and the media coverage was racist. (3)
Within the last decade or so there have been more concerted efforts to memorialise the massacre across the community. A Blue Plaque was erected at the house in 2011, the interim National Afrikan People’s Parliament advocated making March 2nd, the date of the Black People’s Day Of Action that was largely inspired by the New Cross Massacre a public holiday for the Afrikan community in the UK. (4)
Last year a memorial mural was unveiled on New Cross Road itself. This year an Exhibition remembering the New Cross Fire 1981 will run from January 4th to 21st at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum (https://www.ragm.co.uk/new-cross-fire-exhibition), amid calls for the tragedy to be taught in schools. (5) Meanwhile Man from X productions in Leicester has produced a song ‘I will never forget you’ by C.H.i.L.L (Changing Hearts in Love & Liberty) featuring Sire on lead vocals and is set for release on 18th of January 2023 through all major music streaming and download sites. (6)
It appears then, at least on a community level there has been growing efforts to locate the New Cross Massacre more centrally in our collective consciousness. It might be interesting to explore if this is the case. Among the undercurrents of how and why the fire started, there remains a yearning for closure, although it’s not clear if after forty-two years this is still a possibility.
(1) Sophie Goodchild (01/02/04) Fresh inquiry into New Cross fire set to blame adults at house party. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/fresh-inquiry-into-new-cross-fire-set-to-blame-adults-at-house-party-78562.html
(2) :Ionie Richards (17/01/2022) The New Cross Fire 1981: A Personal Reflection. https://www.runnymedetrust.org/blog/the-new-cross-fire-1981-a-personal-reflection
(3) BBC (02/08/21) The fire that defined race relations in Britain | Uprising. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JmOnSZ0r14
(4) Interim National Organising Committee (28/11/15) MANIFESTO: Working Draft: For Community Consultation. interim National Afrikan People’s Parliament. p. 5
(5) Southwark News (25/01/22) Business owner’s mural to New Cross fire victims unveiled. https://southwarknews.co.uk/news/community/business-owners-mural-to-new-cross-fire-victims-unveiled/; Lanre Bakare (12/07/21) his article is more than 1 year old
New Cross fire tragedy should be taught in schools, says Steve McQueen. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/12/new-cross-fire-tragedy-should-be-taught-in-schools-says-steve-mcqueen; Rugby Observer (08/01/23) Family and friends reclaim story of the New Cross fire with new exhibition in Rugby. https://rugbyobserver.co.uk/news/family-and-friends-reclaim-story-of-the-new-cross-fire-with-new-exhibition-in-rugby/
(6) Funds raised from ‘I Will Never Forget You’ support the development of Phenomenon personal support services (https://ppssn.com/index.html). To support this work or for more information: info@ppssn.com info@manfromx.com or call/text +44(0)7741 416 981.
we ask the question:
New Cross Massacre: What Impact does it continue to have?
1) Has there been more community memorial events in recent years? If so why?
2) Has enough attention been paid to the survivors and their families”?
3) Do we believe this crime will ever be solved and if it was would that bring about closure?
Our Special Guest:
Bro. Ldr. Mbandaka: Resident guest who is Spiritual Leader of the Alkebu-Lan Revivalist Movement and an Afrikan-Centred Education Consultant. Bro. Ldr is a veteran activist of almost 40 years standing, a featured columnist in The Whirlwind newspaper and author of Mosiah Daily Affirmations and Education: An African-Centred Approach To Excellence.