Stephen 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, schoolwork, 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, Stephen’s 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.

A public inquiry into the handling of Stephen’s case was held in 1998, leading to the publication of the Macpherson Report. This 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.

Stephen Lawrence Day 2022

To celebrate Stephen’s incredible legacy, buildings across London and Royal Greenwich will be lit up in orange on Friday 22 April, including the London Eye, Woolwich Town Hall, National Maritime Museum and the Cutty Sark. The University of Greenwich will also be projecting an image of Stephen onto one of its historic university buildings.

Events

5.30pm, Friday 22 April, National Maritime Museum and online

The Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation will be running a special careers event at 5.30pm on Friday 22 April at the National Maritime Museum. Limited tickets are available, but the free event will also be livestreamed. For more information visit www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/StephenLawrenceEvent