28 years ago today, Stephen Lawrence’s life was tragically cut short.
The former Prime Minister Theresa May declared on this day in 2019 would now be known as Stephen Lawrence Day.
Stephen was a Black teenager who lived with his family in South-East London and was murdered in a racist attack.
He was waiting for the bus home with his friend.
His friend managed to escape unhurt but Stephen died from his injuries.
After the initial police investigation, five suspects were arrested but not convicted.
Nelson Mandela, the president of South Africa at the time, met with his family and called on the police to do more.
A public inquiry into the handling of Stephen’s case was held in 1998, leading to the publication of the Macpherson Report.
This has been called ‘one of the most important moments in the modern history of criminal justice in Britain’.
2020
In August 2020, the Metropolitan police declared the investigation into Stephen’s death “inactive“.
They said “all identified lines of inquiry have been completed“, which means no one else can be taken to trial and held responsible for Stephen’s death unless the case is later reopened.
The Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Cressida Dick, said she was sad that the Met had been “unable to secure any further convictions for Stephen, his family and friends“.
Today is a day dedicated to Stephen’s memory. There will be a virtual town hall with Stephen’s mother Doreen Lawrence OBE discussing Anti Racism in Education and beyond.
We will never forget you, Stephen, your life mattered.
