In February 1981 a fire in New Cross took 13 young people's lives. When I heard the news, like many, I was in a state of shock! The fire was one incident that to many of us didn’t feel right, the police wanted us to believe there was an argument and that a black person was responsible - discounting a racist attack possibility. I got involved with the various organisations who came together to express community anger at the deaths and the way the police were handling the case. We were sure it was a racist attack in an area where similar types of incidents have happened before using petrol bombs. We organised the Black Peoples Day of Action March that was called for at the local community meeting and I felt compelled to record this moment on film. This incident touched people far and wide. You can learn more of the story behind the making of this film, and others I've made, at my website, menelikshabazz.co.uk
