FEBRUARY 2024
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NAVIGATING THE FRONTIERS OF RACIAL PREJUDICE: A CONVERSATION WITH DR. STUART LAWRENCE By Andrea Lam and Helen Kang
STUART LAWRENCE IS a British activist and educator known for his tireless efforts to combat racial inequality and injustice, following in the footsteps of his late brother, Stephen Lawrence. Born on March 16, 1977, in London, England, he is the younger brother of Stephen Lawrence, who tragically lost his life in a racially motivated murder in 1993, an event that shook the United Kingdom and spurred a nationwide campaign for justice. Stuart Lawrence's early life was profoundly impacted by the murder of his brother, which exposed the deep-seated racism and systemic failures within the British criminal justice system. The ensuing investigation and trial took over a decade and ultimately led to the conviction of two of the perpetrators. This long and arduous quest for justice not only brought a sense of closure to the Lawrence family but also inspired Stuart to become a vocal advocate for racial equality.
We were lucky enough to have the Next we asked him about how the opportunity to interview Dr. Lawrence incident regarding his brother had himself and ask him a few questions impacted his decision to become an regarding his life and racial injustice. advocate against racial injustice. Dr Lawrence replied, stating that he never When asked about his early memories chose to be an advocate, nevertheless it with his brother, Stephen, and how he was something that came about later in influenced his life, Dr Lawrence life. At age 22, Dr Lawrence mentioned mentioned that his earliest memories dated how he saw the arduous tasks of his back to when he was around 5 years old; parents and how it was taking a toll on having an older brother by two years, Dr them. He had realised how even though Lawrence stated how that gave him early they were getting older, their sense of access to certain things in school. Thanks responsibility still persisted. to his brother, he managed to make several older friends, he was comfortable at school “She said to me about two years ago, "Oh and already felt a sense of belonging. Dr Stuart, do you know what? I really wish I Lawrence stated how his brother was an could just go and sit on a beach immensely great role model. somewhere and just do nothing." I was like, well go and do that, if that's what you “I say it all the time, he’s one of those want to do. But she said: "Oh but, if I go annoying people that whatever he tried to and do that then, you know, who's going to do, he'd be very good at.” “It was great to do this, who's going to do that?". I said to have him around. And, I really appreciate her: "well, they'll find a way, they'll find a what he was trying to do for me.” way, they will always find a way."”
He has dedicated his life to ensuring that Dr Lawrence next shared how he would his brother's legacy is one of positive often argue with his brother in private, change. He has been a vocal campaigner however they still had a close brotherly against racism, prejudice, and bond. discrimination, using his platform to educate and engage with communities on these issues. His work includes speaking engagements, community outreach, and collaboration with various organisations, including those aimed at improving diversity and inclusion. Throughout his journey, Stuart Lawrence has received numerous awards and recognitions for his activism, including the British Empire Medal (BEM) in 2018 for his services to young people and tackling knife crime. He has also been a prominent voice in discussions about policing, education, and social reform.
Dr Lawrence shared about his immense sense of responsibility, as a result he gave himself a strict time schedule. He firstly gave himself 10 years to continue his role and then after that he would decide whether he wanted to continue doing that or to do something else. He mentioned that while he is currently in his fifth year, he has started to feel the pressures of his role, nevertheless he continues to maintain a sense of comfortability, as he knows he only has another 5 years left and will attempt to do as much as he can while he’s there. Thirdly we asked Dr Lawrence about the roles he believes education plays in addressing racial prejudice and promoting diversity and inclusion. He mentioned how he views education to be the premise of sharing information, as it allows different people’s voices to be heard.
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