The Grenfel Generation
“For a generation that documents such a large portion of their lives online it’s vital that conversations continue about Grenfell. Keep writing about it, keep sharing it, don’t let it be forgotten. Demand it’s not forgotten. You are the Grenfell Generation, and if you can always remember that, you can make sure this social injustice never happens again.”- Emma Dent Coad.
Emma Dent Coad’s celebrations for her unlikely victory over the Conservatives last summer lasted just four days before her constituency needed her like they had needed no MP before. After three recounts and just a 20-vote win, Dent Coad became the first ever Labour MP of London’s richest borough – one that, until then, had always been considered a Conservative strong hold.
With little time for her feet to hit the ground, the royal borough of Kensington and Chelsea fell victim to one of the most devastating tragedies our generation has seen. The one year anniversary now fast approaching, our hearts are sill bleeding. Almost 365 days on, and families are still without homes. The official inquiry still on going, we have questions yet to be answered. 12 months to the day, and we’re still lacking an accurate death toll.
The eagerly anticipated Notting Hill Carnival will include once again this year, as it did just weeks after the fatal fire, tributes and memorials for the victims of the blaze, and the heroes who fought it. In a heartfelt speech to the crowd, Dent Coad attempted to lift the community’s dampened spirits:
“Set aside your sadness and worries. Smile, dance and sing along, and we will have the most wonderful, musical, colourful and loveable carnival ever. Remember, you are the Grenfell Generation, and you are special.”
Over the last 12 months, Dent Coad has continued her fight against the inequality still rooted deep within her constituency, with an army of high profile figures at behind her. Grime artist, Stormzy, gave a powerful performance at the Brit Awards earlier this year calling for government action. The star put on a show, which included the new iconic lyrics: “Yo Theresa May, where’s that money for Grenfell? What, you think we just forgot about Grenfell? You criminals, and you got the cheek to call us savages. You should do some jail time, you should pay some damages. We should burn your house down and see if you can manage this.” He is one of many celebrities who have offered support to the victims and survivors.
With the anniversary drawing closer, we hope those effected can seek solace in the knowledge that our generation especially, will never forget the catastrophe. Now more than ever, we are speaking up for those who no longer have a voice – in politics, in music, in art – in every aspect of our lives. We are the Grenfell Generation, and we will not forget it.