GRENFELL CAMPAIGNER WAS ‘A FORCE OF NATURE’
TRIBUTES PAID TO WELL-RESPECTED WOMAN
MOVING tributes have been paid to a much-loved and respected Grenfell campaigner who has died after battling motor neurone disease.
Clarrie Mendy Solomon lost her cousin Mary Mendy and Mary’s daughter Khadija Saye, a promising photographer, in the tragic fire in 2017.
She had campaigned tirelessly for justice for the Grenfell community and set up the Humanity for Grenfell campaign group.
She was also the driving force behind the annual Grenfell Anniversary Service, which saw government ministers mixing with the bereaved and the survivors of the devastating fire.
She also joined Grenfell campaigners when they took their message to the catwalk at London Fashion Week last year.
Despite the challenges of facing Covid and the progression of motor neurone disease, Clarrie arranged this year’s virtual service with video contributions from the community and she asked Prime Minister Boris Johnson to also pledge to work to prevent another Grenfell.
Clarrie was diagnosed with the debilitating disease in 2018 but continued campaigning with the community.
In a tribute to Clarrie, campaign group Justice4Grenfell said: “As challenging as this diagnosis was, it did not slow her down at all and she continued the fight, demanding justice.”
They added: “Elder Clarrie was both a general and a soldier in this community’s battle for justice; she was wise enough to lead and brave enough to put herself on the front line.
“She is an example to us all; the powerful didn’t dare to argue with her because they knew she was right.
“Elder Clarrie didn’t want revenge, she wanted justice. She did not want lessons to be learnt, she wanted the voiceless to be heeded. She did not want a revolution; she wanted truth, accountability and change.”
The Grenfell United group for the bereaved and survivors said Clarrie was involved in “her tireless quest for justice and truth over the last three-and-a-half years.”
They added: “May she rest in peace and watch over us as we all continue her quest.”
Other mourners include Lowkey, who lives in north Kensington and is a frequent speaker at the Grenfell Silent Walks which are usually held on the 14th of every month. He tweeted: “RIP Clarrie Mendy. Very sad news.”
Councillor Pat Mason said: “Clarrie was a huge figure. She really wanted justice.”
Campaigner Moyra Samuels said: “She had a real gift to bring people together across religions, across race and across politics.”
Colville councillor Ian Henderson, who helped raise funds for motor neurone disease charities, said: “She was the embodiment of the pain of Grenfell, having lost two relatives.”
He added: “She said ‘never give up’.”
Kim Taylor-Smith, the councillor with responsibility for Grenfell, tweeted: “She was incredibly generous of spirit and will be much missed.”
Clarrie was also involved in promoting the Roots Festival in the Gambia.
It celebrates the culture of the Gambia as well as investigating the pain of enslavement.
London mayor Sadiq Khan said the 61-year-old was a “force of nature”.
He said: “Her dedication and determination to secure justice for those who lost their lives, including her own loved ones, was inspiring.
“Forever in our hearts.”