People will gather in Brixton at 6pm today to remember the nailbomb attack that happened there in 1999.
Candles will be lit at the spot outside Iceland, in Electric Avenue, where the bomb exploded 13 years ago today, before the ceremony will proceed to Windrush Square to commemorate the attack that left 50 people, including a 23-month-old child, injured.
The bomb, which exploded at 5.25pm, was one of three devices planted by David Copeland during a two-week campaign of terror targeting black, asian and gay communities in the capital.
Mark Healey, from the group 17-24-30, which organised today’s vigil, told the Blog: “This is an opportunity for people to remember what happened and to reconnect with each other. It gives old people the opportunity to connect with younger people.”
A plaque on the wall of Iceland marks the spot where the device, hidden in a suspicious holdall, exploded, blowing out shop windows and leaving stunned shoppers and traders with horrific injuries.
It was the first of the attacks. Copeland went on to target Brick Lane on 24 April, injuring 13 people, and the Admiral Duncan pub, Soho, on Friday 30 April, where three people died.
For more information about 17-24-30 No to Hate Crime Campaign and future Brixton Remembers events please take a look at our WordPress site: http://172430notohatecrime.wordpress.com/
We are currently planning for the next October day of Hope and Remembrance for those affected by hate crime which will take place on Saturday 20th October – with the 4th London Vigil against Hate Crime scheduled to take place between 7pm and 9pm in Trafalgar Square.
If you would like to get involved please get in contact with mark@17-24-30.org