In the early hours of the 14th June 2017, a fire broke out in Grenfell tower a block of flats in one of the wealthiest boroughs in West London. This tragedy caused the deaths of seventy two innocent lives - the greatest loss of life, on English soil since World War II and the displacement of hundreds of residents from their homes.

The lives of those who once called Grenfell home and this community who lost loved ones in this tragedy have been forever changed.

Gold & Ashes is a visual series on the Grenfell Community by bereaved family member Feruza Afewerki. It features a collection of photo stories of the local community of survivors and bereaved, documented over 3 years, in hopes of highlighting the humanity and courage of the Grenfell residents, honor the memories of their loved ones lost and bring dignity to those directly impacted by the tragedy.

The visual series culminated to creating the Gold & Ashes photo book, feature length documentary and exhibitions across London. This series has been created by volunteer collaborators with a personal connection and commitment to this vision. A community as diverse and nuanced as this means we could never tell the whole story but the stories of the innocent lives that ended that night continue to inspire us to honour and document their memories.

Poem by Sara Chebiouni

Grenfell Tower resident and bereaved family member (written when Sara was aged 11 in 2020)

Has it really been seven years since the day some of us escaped?
Has it really been seven years since the memories I have taped?
Has it really been seven years since my heart began to ache?
Has it really been seven years since my soul began to break?

Goodbye to my family.
Goodbye to my friends.
Goodbye to my neighbours.
Goodbye to my home.

Has it really been seven years since the day of the screams?
Has it really been seven years since the visions of extremes?
Has it really been seven years since 72 people were snatched away?
Has it really been seven years since we thought we were all here to stay?

The 14th June was when we thought they were going to follow.
The 14th June was when we all began to feel hollow.
The 14th June was when was when the community felt the pain.
The 14th June was when the memories became a stain.

Has it really been seven years since the banging on the windows could be heard?
Has it really been seven years since the community came out in herds?
Has it really been seven years since we all began to pray?
Has it really been seven years since we wished our loved ones could have stayed?

Imagine if we could turn back time and undo the suffering.
Imagine if we could turn back time and take away the bustling.
Imagine if we could turn back time and did not have to pretend.
Imagine if we could turn back time and take away their end.

Has it really been seven years since we could all hear your laughter?
Has it really been seven years since the 72 of you went to the hereafter?
Has it really been seven years since the vivid memories etched on my mind?
Has it really been seven years since it became clear that rules need to be refined?
Has it really been seven years since questions are still unanswered?
Forever in our hearts.