Remembrance & Memorials : Cherry Groce, 40 years on
all credits: Brixton Buzz
originally published: 24 September 2025
Image Credit: 9comeback: www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net
From all of our hundreds of Remembrance Calendar entries, we particularly feature certain cases that were of notable historical significance.
Cherry Groce
Brixton House marked 40 years since the 1985 Brixton Uprising with the Cherry Groce Day on Sunday 28 September, a commemoration of Dorothy ‘Cherry’ Groce whose shooting by police sparked the unrest and galvanised a generation.
The day opened at 4pm with a devised performance directed by Sutara Gayle (aka Lorna Gee) and Adjoa Andoh, featuring young South London creatives exploring themes of justice, safety and belonging inspired by Groce’s story.
Cherry Groce memorial unveiled at Windrush Square. In the week Derek Chauvin was found guilty of the murder of George Floyd in the USA, which sparked the global BLM (Black Lives Matter) movement, this mother who was paralysed and died ten years ago is remembered.
Attention then turned to Lee Lawrence, Cherry’s son, who launched his new book 'The Colour of Injustice'. Blending first-hand experience with deeply researched history, the book traces racial injustice in Britain from the Mangrove Nine to Black Lives Matter. Journalist Nadine White will hosted a Q&A following readings from young people.
The evening celebrated Cherry’s enduring spirit through live music from Winston Reedy, Lorna Gee, Nathan Fagan Gayle, Reggae Choir, JayJay Born2Sing and Teshay Makeda, before an after-party hosted by Dark Crew.
The Cherry Groce Day formed part of Brixton House’s UPRISING Festival, a season reflecting on the legacy of the Uprising while amplifying contemporary Black British voices.
Related News:
Event Report : Official unveiling of the Cherry Groce Memorial
25 April 2021
5 September 2020
Cherry Groce: Mum's police shooting 'robbed me of my childhood'
1 July 2020
Cherry Groce inquest: family statement in full
10 July 2014
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