Stephen Lawrence Day – 22 April 2024

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.

https://stephenlawrenceday.org/stephens-story/

The importance of diversity, equality, and justice.

Diversity means that everyone is different and unique, and that everyone
should be treated and valued equally, No matter their race, religion, or background.

Equality means that everyone should have the same rights and opportunities,
No matter who they are.

Justice means making sure that people who have done something wrong
Are punished, and that people who have been hurt are treated fairly.

Adapted from – Copyright © 2023 Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation. All Rights Reserved. Charity Number 1187566.

Blessed God,
help us, to hunger and thirst for what is right;
help us, to stand with those who are persecuted and reviled;
help us, to strive for the cause of right
and for the coming of the kingdom of Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns, now and for ever. Amen

CW Racial Justice Sunday Post Communion prayer adapted

Timeline

13 September 1974
Stephen Lawrence is born. Loved by his family and friends, Stephen dreamed of becoming an architect.

22 April 1993
Stephen Lawrence is murdered: killed in an unprovoked racist attack.

6 May 1993
Nelson Mandela at his own request met with Doreen and Neville.

September 1994
A private prosecution is launched by Stephen’s parents against three suspects.
It fails in April 1996.

July 1997
A public enquiry is announced to look into the killing
and subsequent police investigation.

February 1999
Macpherson report published. It accuses the Metropolitan Police
of institutional racism and makes 70 recommendations,
many aimed at improving police attitudes to racism.

April 2005
Double jeopardy is scrapped.
The legal principle prevented suspects being tried twice for the same crime.

February 2008
Doreen Lawrence opens the £10m Stephen Lawrence Centre in honour of her son.

November 2011
The trial of Gary Dobson and David Norris begins at the Old Bailey. Both men are found guilty of the murder of Stephen Lawrence and are given life sentences.

22 April 2018
National day announced by Prime Minister Theresa May to commemorate Stephen Lawrence’s life. Stephen Lawrence Day will be celebrated every year on 22 April.

Adapted from – Copyright © 2023 Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation. All Rights Reserved. Charity Number 11875