The first human cases of COVID-19 are identified in Wuhan, China, in November 2019 marking the beginning of the global pandemic. The year of uncertainty that follows is captured in this issue by writers including Yara Rodrigues Fowler, Mary Jean Chan, Kate Briggs and Otis Mensah. We also collaborate with the Estate of artist Khadija Saye (above) and writer Kadija Sesay to mark the 3rd anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire.