I'll never forget waking up to the news that Grenfell Tower was on fire.
In all honesty, I went to bed knowing there was a block of flats that was on fire somewhere because I just about saw the notification before drifting off.
What I didn't realise at the time was that hundreds of people - women, men and children- would lose their possessions their homes and most tragically, their lives as a result of it.
Having been born and bred in the ever sunny city that is London, these things really hit home. You take for granted that growing up in one of the most developed cities in the world would mean that your brothers and sister would be safe asleep in their homes.
You take for granted that living in what some would argue to be the financial capital of Europe, would mean that government would be able to assist those directly affected in picking up the pieces.
Writing has always been therapeutic for me, but thinking of words to describe the level of injustice, heartbreak and sorrow I feel for the shortcoming that lead to the fire.... Nothing comes to mind.
What was allowed to happen at Grenfell Tower is disgusting and the idea that millions of people across the U.K. are INTENTIONALLY subject to living conditions that are inexcusable at best and fatal at worst, is mind boggling.
If it wasn't for the AMAZING generosity and compassion of the people that live, love, work and play alongside those that used to call Grenfell home, who knows what would of actually happened during the aftermath of the fire.
A lot of the beauty that the world sees in London lives in the very people that call it home.
I can't express the level of gratitude and awe I feel for those who were selfless enough to put their lives on the life in order to save complete strangers.
Firefighters are real life heroes.
And to the Nurses that work 14 hours a day to keep people alive... there is nothing on this earth that could ever repay you for you contribution to society.
I can't imagine the pain felt by family and friends of those affected; nobody should have to go through that. But what I do believe is that the battle has only just begun.
Nearly two weeks on and still, there is no final death toll, neighboring residents are without basics such as hot water and gas and people are still waiting to be rehoused.
An accident waiting to happen is no accident.
The victims of Grenfell will never be forgotten.
There is no changing what has happened, but to let such an atrocity go unaccounted for and unchallenged is unforgivable.
Unfortunately, as 1) a woman and 2) a person of colour, having to fight for what is fair is nothing new but I’ve always believed, a problem shared is a problem halved.
A problem shared by millions of people becomes a real issue for those on the receiving end.
Don't just donate, sign petitions. Ask questions. volunteer you time. Meet local leaders and push for them to ask questions and apply pressure.
The victims of Grenfell deserve justice and together, we will get it.
For more information on how you can help ensure there is #JusticeForGrenfell, please visit www.grenfelltowerfire.co.uk where you can see the latest updates, donate and find out how you can contribute to making sure something like this never happens again x
