Today is the second Stephen Lawrence Day, a day of remembrance that was introduced in 2018. Stephen Lawrence was a black teenager who was born and grew up in London.
Stephen was violently murdered on 22nd April 1993 in an unprovoked racially motivated attack whilst waiting for the bus with a friend.
Although arrests were made and suspects were charged for Stephen’s murder, charges were dropped with a lack of evidence being cited as the justification.
Four years after his death in 1997, a public inquiry was ordered to look into the murder and subsequent investigation. The Macpherson Report into the investigation highlighted institutional racism and recommended a number of changes to policing and criminal law. It is said that the investigation resulted in overwhelming cultural changes in attitudes to racism, making it one of the most important moments in modern British criminal justice.
No one was convicted of the murder until 2012 after the family’s long battle for justice and recognition for Stephen.
The Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust
Stephen Lawrence Day is coordinated by the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, founded by Stephen’s mother Baroness Lawrence. It is hoped that by reflecting on the life of Stephen, individuals can recognise the vital part that they play in creating a fair society in which everyone can flourish and is respected.
The trust also aims to give young people a strong voice in building a fairer and more inclusive society, encouraging them to live their best life.
What we can do to make a positive difference
I am proud to be a member of the Jackson Lees Group Diversity Committee. We believe that everyone deserves a seat at the table and that our differences should be celebrated, not used against us. There is still work to be done to redress the balance and the Diversity Committee is committed to making the workplace more accepting and inclusive for all.
Fairness and respect are central to our culture at the Jackson Lees Group, as is the importance of justice and equality. On behalf of the Diversity Committee, I invite everyone to join us today to remember Stephen Lawrence and the importance of tackling racism and injustice in our society.