I WAS a 22-year-old undergraduate when I attended the public inquiry sitting at Hannibal House in Elephant and Castle to enquire into the matters arising from the death of Stephen Lawrence. After hearing the evidence, I realised that the racist murder of a beloved son, brother and friend was going to change the Metropolitan Police Service forever. I prayed that no other family would have to endure what Mr and Mrs Lawrence had endured during the public inquiry. I visualised a beautiful wise new world that had learned the lessons of history and was determined to ensure a new dawn for all our children.
I concluded my thesis by declaring that the Stephen Lawrence inquiry would lead to a more accountable and transparent police service and a new era in which everyone was judged by the content of their character and not the colour of their skin. I have no doubt that my university thesis supervisor was surprised at my work when it landed on her desk in 1999. It was based on the theme of Charles Dickens’s Christmas Carol. In my thesis, the “Ghost of Christmas Past” was represented by Lord Scarman’s 1981 inquiry into the Brixton disorders; the “Ghost of Christmas Present” was represented by Sir William Macpherson of Cluny’s 350-page Stephen Lawrence inquiry report and the “Ghost of Christmas Future” was inspired by Martin Luther King Jr’s dream.
It is my hope that one day, we will all live in a society where we are all judged by the content of our character, but until then, my advice to young people is to keep compassionate and carry on. Remember Dr King’s message that “hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that”.
In memory of Stephen Lawrence, the teenage son who knew his father loved a beautiful gospel song called Oasis by Helen Baylor, and in memory of all young people who have lost their lives to violence, Defenders Entertainment is offering an Artist Package worth £1000 to the young person (aged 16 – 24) who wins our “Inspiration 2022” competition for the most inspiring song or rap lyrics. To be eligible, your household income must be no more than £25,000 per annum. Please email your lyrics to [email protected]. All entries must be in by 5pm on April 1 2022. Please visit www.communityyouthlondon.com for further details.
Dawn Elizabeth Amos was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in 2004. She specialises in social housing law and routinely advises victims and survivors of violent crime in connection with their housing matters. She has also worked as an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate and supports individuals who cannot afford legal advice when time allows.
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14 Comments
This is an amazing idea, and one of many to keep Stephen’s legacy alive.
Such a hopeful and inspiring article. I do truly hope too that we as a people will be judged by our character rather than our colour. Until then we must not stop or get comfortable.
The analogy of the Christmas carol is brilliant. Until things change this society (and particularly us as a people) will always be haunted by ghosts.
Dawn, I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to work alongside you. You are truly a passionate, empathetic and dedicated Social Welfare Solicitor, always looking out for the welfare of others.
As highlighted, despite the cruel injustice and predudice surrounding the death of Stephen Lawrence, we are still seeing our young Black men, with such huge potential be subjected to further injustice and harm. How can we forget the harrowing and unmerciful treatment and slaying of George Floyd played out before our very eyes.
I worry for the future of our young black men, and as a mother and grandmother to this ethnic group, I pray that our children will be valued and not be another cruel statistic, snuffed out before they have had a chance to live.
Please can we all accept that we are all part of the human race, and that all life is precious. Let the lives of Stephen Lawrence and others not be in vain..
Thank you Dawn Amos for highlighting this sensitive issue.
Sharon Gunard
A fitting article for Stephen Lawrence day to remind us of our journey for equality and justice in the UK. Great to see young people being engaged as well we need the next generation of artists, lawyers, writers to pick up the batton from the Lawrences and continue the journey.
Such a positive and impactful article. Especially in the midst of continuous devastation and heartbreak within our community, worldwide.
For those of us that are aware of the impact Stephen’s murder had on the black community; we are also just as aware that nothing can compare to what his parents endured. Year after year. Decade after decade.
It is wonderful that we can bring his name and life to rememberence in this way.
Thank you for this article Dawn.
May the prize be a tremendous blessing for a talented young person.
An inspiring article in the memory of Stephen Lawrence, all too sad to see that we have not progressed much further over the last 22 years in the race for equality. I remember this day in 1993 like it was yesterday!
I would also like to commend this great initiative that will give a young member of the community, the opportunity to be recognized and rewarded for their talent!
I have known Dawn in a professional capacity for more than 5 years and her tenacity never ceases to amaze me. A hard working mother who is dedicated to the cause. Very inspiring and compelling write up.
Keep up the good work Dawn.
MLK said that ‘justice denied anywhere diminishes justice everywhere’
Thank you Dawn for your article and for keeping in memory that while we have made some progress that there is still work to be done. Your voice is valued, appreciated and makes a difference.
Great article and an inspiring initiative!
A good legacy and a great opportunity for a young person.
What an amazing article. It is indeed a hope that we all had and still pray it will be a reality. A great initiative that is a fitting tribute to the memory of Stephen Lawrence.
Keep up the great work Dawn Amos!
Excellent article.
As time goes by, we must not forget the injustice that occurred because history will only repeat. We all must strive for better.
This is an inspiring and commendable initiative, which is related to such a pivotal moment in the Black-British journey. Well done, Dawn!