Schoolchildren commemorate Stephen Lawrence’s life with artwork

Schoolchildren inspired by the legacy of Stephen Lawrence have created works of poetry and art which are currently on display in Greenwich. 

The Legacy of Stephen Lawrence – an exhibition of the art, poetry and writing by local schoolchildren – is on display in the café area at Woolwich Works until May 7.

Stephen, 18, was fatally stabbed in a racist attack by white youths at a bus stop in Well Hall Road, Eltham on April 22, 1993. Stephen would have celebrated his 50th birthday this year. 

Greenwich schools commemorated Stephen Lawrence Day with a variety of events and activities, including planting a rose bush, running awareness workshops, presenting dedicated assemblies and creating artwork and poetry – which has formed the exhibition at Woolwich Works.

During the week, Stephen’s father, Dr Neville Lawrence, visited St Margaret’s Primary School in St Margaret’s Grove, Plumstead, to speak about the importance of Stephen Lawrence Day. 

He said: “Stephen has touched a lot of lives and made them better. It’s my loss, but he’s done what he was sent here for. 

“Stephen’s legacy is the fact that people can look at each other and say ‘well I’ll never do that to someone’s family again.’”

On Friday, Woolwich Works hosted an event to celebrate Stephen’s life where students from St. Ursula’s Convent School performed spoken word and read out letters to their future self.

A spokeswoman for Greenwich council said: “It’s so important to share Stephen’s story with the next generation, and to keep his memory alive. 

“Together we can learn from the tragedy of Stephen’s death and use his legacy to motivate ourselves to drive forward the changes we still need in our society.  

“We will do our best to honour Stephen’s legacy, and ensure that because of Stephen, everyone in our community has a chance to achieve their ambitions and thrive.”

 Pictured top: Artworks on display at Woolwich Works last Friday (Picture: Greenwich council)