On 22 April we remember and celebrate the life of Stephen Lawrence, who was murdered in an unprovoked racist attack on this day in 1993, when he was only 18. Although five suspects were identified, it took nearly 20 years for two of them to be charged and convicted in 2012. Stephen’s story reminds us of how important it is to challenge racism in the police and in our society.
Launched by the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation, Stephen Lawrence Day 2024 is an opportunity to come together and honour Stephen’s life and legacy, stand up against discrimination in our daily lives, and work towards a more hopeful tomorrow.
Looking for ways to get involved? Here are 3 ideas inspired by Manchester Libraries:
1. Create your own banner at Hulme High St Library
Saturday, 27 April, 11.30am-12.30pm
Join artist Tina Ramos Ekongo and create and decorate your own banner for Stephen Lawrence Day to commemorate his inspiring legacy of racial justice, equality and integration. No need to book, just turn up at Hulme High St Library. Open to all children and families!
2. Access the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre Archives at Central Library
Visit the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre at Central Library and explore a wealth of resources on Stephen Lawrence, including a collection of newspaper cuttings charting the murder and criminal case from 1993-2013. To find out more, read the RACE Centre blog at Stephen Lawrence Day 2024- Books and Archive Resources – Race Archive.
3. Discover books and resources available at your local library
Manchester Libraries are a treasure trove of resources to help you, your children and your pupils challenge racism. Here’s just a small selection of our favourite books. Click on the titles to reserve a copy!
Standing up to racism by Pragya Agarwal
It’s never too early to teach children to be antiracist, and this lift-the-flap book is a great toolkit for children and their families alike. It explains in age-appropriate language what racism is and how to stand up to it. Suitable for ages 0-5.
A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara
A is for Activist is an ABC board book for families who want their kids to grow up in a space that is unapologetic about activism, environmental justice, civil rights, LGBTQ rights and everything else that activists believe in and fight for. Suitable for ages 0-5.
What is Racism? by Katie Daynes
Answering young children’s questions about racism is hard. This book gives children and adults the language and sensitivity they need to talk about the topic. Suitable for ages 5-7.
The Empire Windrush by Clive Gifford
In 1948 the Empire Windrush sailed from Jamaica to Britain with over 300 passengers on board. Learn about their fascinating stories and the realities of life in post-war Britain in this captivating information book. Suitable for ages 5-7.
The Life of Stephen Lawrence by Verna Wilkins
A book to celebrate and remember Stephen’s life. Ideal for primary schools and children aged 7-11.
Silence is Not An Option: Find Your Voice and Be Your Best Self by Stuart Lawrence
Stuart Lawrence is the younger brother of Stephen Lawrence. He is an educator and motivational speaker, dedicated to helping to transform the life chances of young people. From role models to self-control, failure to imagination, Stuart’s aim with this book is to use his own experience to help young people harness the good in themselves and in the world around them. Suitable for ages 14-16.
And StilI I Rise by Baroness Doreen Lawrence
Since the murder of her son Stephen in 1993, Baroness Doreen Lawrence has campaigned for justice for Stephen and for other victims of racially-motivated crimes. In this book, she describes the unimaginable events of 1993 and the years that followed as they happened to her. Suitable for ages 16+.
Curious? Click here to find out more about your local library.