Adele just shared a heartbreaking video for the anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017. Her message was part of a memorial organized by Grenfell United, a community organization made up of survivors and bereaved families.
The video marks the third anniversary of when a fire quickly spread through the London tower block because of unsafe cladding. The tragedy has been spotlighted as a devastating example of the many ways that the needs of working people are often ignored in the UK.
View this video on YouTube
This isn't the first time Adele has supported victims of the fire: In 2017 she visited the site, made tea and cakes for firefighters, and performed at a local school that many affected students attended.
As a school that really needed a boost, it meant the world to have Adele visit us. Our children will never forget it! #GreenforGrenfell
“Even though we’re having to do this in the virtual world, online, on 2020 Zoom life as it is," she began, "it’s still so important for us to mourn together and for us to remember that night and to reflect on that — and also reflect on where we are now with that. But also to celebrate the lives that were lived before they were sadly taken that night.”
She continued: “I think that this year, more than ever, there has never been a more appropriate time for us to truly exercise camaraderie and compassion and open-mindedness and persistence. Persistence for answers. Persistence for action.”
Appearing teary-eyed, she added: "We need each other to survive, and that is something that I truly see in action with the Grenfell community. I have never been so moved or so inspired by a group of people before."
After talking about her pride in working with Grenfell United and her sadness over the virtual nature of this year's event, she finished by saying, "I miss you all and I can't wait to see you all, and like I said before, I'm thinking of you today more than ever."
