Marking Stephen Lawrence Day

Ahead of the second annual National Day of Remembrance for Stephen Lawrence on 22 April, revisit our interview with Stephen's brother and former teacher, Stuart Lawrence from last year. Here, he discusses how the day aims to celebrate the legacy of Stephen Lawrence and be a force for positive change by encouraging young people to consider how they can live their best lives.

On 22 April 2020, it will be 27 years since the tragic murder of 18-year-old student, Stephen Lawrence. Stephen and his best friend Duwayne Brooks were waiting at a suburban bus stop in Eltham when they were victims of an unprovoked attack by a racist gang and Lawrence was stabbed to death. The enquiry into Stephen Lawrence's death was riddled with cover-ups and scandal, revealing the inherent racism within the Metropolitan Police dealing with Stephen's case.

In 2018, Prime Minister, Theresa May declared that from 2019 onwards 22 April would be recognised as Stephen Lawrence Day.

To mark this incredibly important day, the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust have created a range of home activities for young people, around the themes and issues of Stephen's case, as well as many other brilliant ways of getting involved. 

Make sure to also check out the latest BBC Teaching Resources, which includes a powerful open letter to all teachers and students from Stuart Lawrence, as well as the 2018 BBC documentary, Stephen: The Murder that Changed a Nation - short clips are available to supplement any educational activities around the day.