To Mark National
Stephen Lawrence Day
21st April 2022 – On Friday 22nd April 2022, as part of a programme of events taking place nationwide to mark Stephen Lawrence Day, the lastminute.com London Eye will be illuminated orange in memory of Stephen, who was murdered on 22 April 1993, at the age of 18, in an unprovoked racist attack.
Stephen Lawrence Day is marked officially in the British calendar every 22nd April, commemorating the anniversary of Stephen’s death. The day is an opportunity to celebrate Stephen’s life, to educate young people about the significance of his legacy and highlight the ongoing work of the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation – the charity founded by Stephen’s mother Hon. Baroness Doreen Lawrence.
Baroness Doreen Lawrence, founder of the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation commented: “As Stephen‘s mother, his death continues to be at the forefront of my mind. I hope his continued legacy for change lives on in future generations”
On Friday and throughout the weekend, a programme of events will be taking place organised by the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation including:
- Morning Assembly broadcast live to schools nationwide, hosted by Ben Cajee and featuring Baroness Lawrence
- The London Eye will be illuminated orange from sunset on Friday
- TikTok Unpacks, a video series that explores important topics, will be launching a special Stephen Lawrence Day edition, featuring videos from creators and public figures on what Stephen Lawrence Day means to them
- A Legacy of Change Evening in partnership with TikTok & adidas, a panel discussion on Stephen’s legacy starring Ugo Monye, Anthony Yarde, Sayo, Kayne Kawasaki and hosted by Jourds will be streamed live on the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation’s TikTok at 8pm on Friday 22nd
- Brixton Village Exhibition From Friday 22nd ‒ 24th April, a pop-up exhibition will be open to the public featuring work by and photo portraits of architecture & law students who have been supported with bursaries and scholarships through the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation. The exhibition will include a portrait of Baroness Doreen Lawrence
- The exhibition will be open from 12pm ‒ 8pm on Friday and Saturday; 12pm – 4pm on Sunday
- Ralph Lauren Pin of Solidarity Available online and in select stores starting 22nd April. Created by Ralph Lauren’s Black Advisory Council, 100% of the profits from the sale of each pin will be contributed to the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation to fund scholarship and bursary programs. For more information, visit www.ralphlauren.co.uk/feature/solidarity-feat
- College of Policing event An internal event of remembrance, reflection & active learning run by the National Black Police Association and the National Police Council, attended by senior leaders and community members and live streamed to 47 police forces across the UK.
For more information visit https://stephenlawrenceday.org/
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ABOUT STEPHEN LAWRENCE DAY FOUNDATION
The Foundation, established amid unprecedented growing global awareness of racial inequality, and exists to inspire a more equal, inclusive society, and to foster opportunities for marginalised young people in the UK. The Foundation is the home of Stephen Lawrence’s legacy and has education at its core, focusing on three areas: Classrooms, Community and Careers. The Foundation is developing programmes and activities that run 365 days a year, with the 22nd April as a focal point to recognise and celebrate the progress made.
STEPHEN’S STORY
Stephen’s story is both challenging and inspirational. He was a normal young person who made the most of everyday opportunities. Although his life was short, Stephen provides a positive role model of a life well lived.
Stephen Lawrence was born and grew up in south-east London, where he lived with his parents Neville and Doreen, his brother Stuart and sister Georgina. Like most young people, he juggled an active social life, school work, family commitments, and part-time employment. But he also had ambitions to use his talent for maths, art, and design to become an architect, and wanted to have a positive impact on his community.
Tragically, his dream of becoming an architect was never realised. On 22 April 1993, at the age of just 18, Stephen was murdered in an unprovoked racist attack. He didn’t know his killers and his killers didn’t know him.
After the initial police investigation, five suspects were arrested but not convicted. A public inquiry into the handling of Stephen’s case was held in 1998, leading to the publication of the Macpherson Report, which has been called ‘one of the most important moments in the modern history of criminal justice in Britain’.
It led to profound cultural changes in attitudes to racism, to the law and to police practice.
It also paved the way for a greater understanding of discrimination of all forms and new equalities legislation.
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