University of Greenwich Marks Stephen Lawrence’s 50th with Powerful Tribute
Tomorrow, September 12, the University of Greenwich will honour Stephen Lawrence on what would have been his 50th birthday. Stephen, a promising young man from southeast London, was tragically murdered in a racially motivated attack in Eltham in 1993 at just 18 years old.
Remembering a Life Cut Short
Stephen was stabbed while running to catch a bus with his friend Duwayne Brooks by a gang of up to six racist attackers. Despite this horrific act, Stephen’s legacy has become a powerful symbol for racial justice and equality across the UK.
Fresh Initiatives and Moving Tributes
- The event will launch the University’s new Global Majority Alumni Community (GMAC), aimed at amplifying diverse voices and inspiring change among students.
- Two exhibitions in collaboration with the Black Heroes Foundation and Culture& will be unveiled.
- Guests will see the debut of Professor Louise Owusu-Kwarteng’s autobiographical animation Our Kind from the North and the South of the M1 River.
- Michelle Gayle, co-founder of The World Reimagined and honorary Greenwich graduate, will deliver a stirring keynote speech.
- Alumnus DJ Divine Egbue, aka Casper Dot, will provide a live soundtrack to the event.
Carrying the Dream Forward: The Stephen Lawrence Scholarship
In tribute to Stephen’s dream of becoming an architect, the university will highlight the Stephen Lawrence Scholarship designed to support aspiring architects from diverse backgrounds.
“In remembering Stephen, we’re not just looking back, we’re looking forward. GMAC represents our commitment to fostering an inclusive community where every voice is valued, and every individual can thrive,” said Mary Davies, Associate Director of Alumni and Fundraising at Greenwich.
The event shines a spotlight on Stephen Lawrence’s enduring impact, reminding us all of the ongoing fight for racial equality over 30 years after his tragic death.
