Blue Plaque unveiling in tribute to Stephen Lawrence

Today a blue plaque will be unveiled in tribute to the memory of Stephen Lawrence.

In this 20th anniversary year since his murder, the Nubian Jak Community Trust in partnership with the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust and the Luton African Caribbean Community Development Forum, will hold the special ceremony.

Mother of Stephen Lawrence, Doreen Lawrence said:

2013 marks the 20th year since Stephen’s murder. Stephen will always hold a special place in my family’s heart and others who were touched by his death. RIP Beloved”.

The murder of Stephen Lawrence in 1993 led to one of the most high-profile cases in the history of the Metropolitan police. Despite the initial trial and private prosecution both collapsing, the dignity and determination of Doreen and Neville Lawrence who left no stone unturned to seek justice for their son, resulted in a public enquiry and the publication of the Macpherson Report which revealed that the Metropolitan Police was ‘institutionally racist’.

Nearly 19 years later, in 2012, the Lawrence family finally received some kind of justice with the conviction of two of the five suspects, Gary Dobson and David Norris. 

Cllr Steve Bullock Mayor for Lewisham said:

Stephen Lawrence's death at the hands of racists and the failure to bring them to justice for so many years was a tragedy but the determination of his family to turn that tragedy into something positive for future generations has been astonishing. Now, twenty years on, it is right to celebrate his life with this plaque."

The Blue Plaque will be unveiled today at the Stephen Lawrence Centre 39 Brookmill Rd London, London SE8 4HU at 5.30pm.

Founder of the Nubian Jak Plaque Commemorative Plaque Scheme Jak Beula said:

The world watched and saw the dignity and strength with which Doreen and Neville pursued justice for their son. It is because of this that Stephen will never be forgotten. A promising light that still shines brightly even though if only in spirit."

Francine Fernandes