On Saturday 22 April the exterior facade of the Library of Birmingham will be lit up orange in support of Stephen Lawrence Day 2023.

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 Georgia.

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 did not know his killers and his killers did not 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.

Visit the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation website for full details on Stephen and his legacy.

Article posted 21 April 2023