Among the 13 who died after a fire at a Prospect Avenue apartment building on December 28, some were family members. 

6 were also connected by another bond, all were immigrants from Ghana.

“We’re all family and when something happens to one of us it happens for all,” said Catherine Cudjoe, who was there representing Ghana’s National Parade Council.

So, to allow the Ghanaian community to mourn together, Ghana’s Consul General in New York organized a gathering to celebrate all six victims at once.

“When we have one bereavement, it affects everyone. All Ghanese are grieving with the loss of 6 of our countrymen,” said Professor Samuel K Amoako, the Consul-General of Ghana in New York.

First, the victims were honored with a service at Our lady of Mount Carmel Church along East 187th street, just five blocks away from where the fire happened.

Family and friends of Private Emmanuel Mensah, Solomon Donkor, Hannah Donkor, William Donkor, Gabriel Sarkordie and Justice Opoku came to pay their respects. 

“People have been great and supportive of losing my son but it’s a loss it’s a blow,” said Kwabena Mensah, Emmanuel Mensah’s father.

Immediately afterward, a group of more than 100 traveled back to the apartment building to pray and to take part in the ritual of pouring libation.

It’s a ceremonial tradition in African culture and a way of paying homage to their ancestor.

Those in attendance were also asked to offer forgiveness to the family of the 3 year old boy who authorities say started the fire by playing with a stove.

Some elected officials and community activists, including Chaplain Irene Estrada, said that they are continuing to work with victims and their families.

They said they are still working with those who survived the fire, but lost everything else, on finding them more permanent housing.