Stephen Lawrence was 18 years old, with dreams of becoming an architect.

On April 22, 1993, Stephen was murdered in an unprovoked racist attack.

Stephen Lawrence Day was first commemorated in 2019 and takes place annually on 22 April.


The Stephen Lawrence Foundation “was established amid unprecedented growing global awareness of racial inequality, exists to inspire a more equal, inclusive society, and to foster opportunities for marginalised young people in the UK.” 

Find out more here:
https://stephenlawrenceday.org/


Warwickshire Libraries have a collection of the Stephen Lawrence Day reading list titles:

Here is a selection of some of the titles on the reading list:

Maybe I don’t belong here: a memoir of race, identity, breakdown and recovery.
By David Harewood.

Actor David Harewood recounts the period in his early 20’s when he was hospitalised on a psychiatric ward after a psychotic episode. The book explores a personal account of the mental health challenges David Harewood has faced growing up as a child of the Windrush generation, the ramifications of growing up whilst facing racist encounters, and the impact today of the ‘hostile environment’.  

Natives: Race & Class in the ruins of empire.
By Akala.

UK rap artist Akala uses a mix of personal memoir and historical analysis to paint a picture of the interplay between race and class and the legacy of the British empire on contemporary society.

Black British Lives Matter: A clarion call for equality.
Edited by Lenny Henry & Marcus Ryder.

Explores the black British experience through a range of essays, this book was inspired by the calls for equality that happened globally in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd.

I heard what you said.
By Jeffrey Boakye.

Jeffrey Boakye, who has worked as a teacher in comprehensive schools for 15 years, provides observations on how racism functions in the education system.

The race to the top: Structural racism and how to fight it.

By Nazir Afzal.

Nazir Afzal has produced a sociological critique of structural racism in Great Britain, composed from interviews with leading public figures.

Warwickshire Libraries also have ‘Black Lives Matter’ book collections, with individual collections featuring

Children, Young Adult and Adult books (Fiction & Non-Fiction).

Discover these collections and more on the Warwickshire Libraries Inclusive Reads web page.