Photo provided by Baroness Doreen Lawrence.
“If you think you’ve been wronged, let your voice be heard.”
Campaigning background
On 22nd April, 1993, Doreen Lawrence’s 18-year-old son, Stephen, was attacked and killed by a group of white racist men. This tragedy was the catalyst for Baroness Lawrence’s fight against racism in the police and judicial system, and for justice for her son.
Stephen’s killers were arrested but released later. In her determination for justice, Doreen Lawrence launched a campaign, later came the inquiry which found that the police intentionally omitted evidence and allowed an incomplete investigation. Six years after her son’s murder, Doreen Lawrence’s efforts culminated in the Macpherson Report, a scathing investigation showing institutional racism within the police force.
One year later, Doreen Lawrence campaigned and won an amendment to the Race Relations Act, which required authorities to be transparent on the measures they take to ensure equal investigation.
Doreen Lawrence’s campaigning influenced the government to partially abolish the Double Jeopardy law within the Criminal Justice Act of 2003. This law allowed for alleged perpetrators of a crime to be tried again if new and compelling evidence is brought to light. For her efforts, Doreen Lawrence was awarded the OBE in 2003 and appointed to the House of Lords in 2013.
Years of tireless campaigning continued and 19 years after Stephen Lawrence’s death, two of his killers, Gary Dobson and David Norris, were found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.
In 2019, Baroness Lawrence achieved a memorial day for her son, and the UK now recognises Stephen Lawrence Day on the anniversary of his death, 22nd April, every year.
Other Major Achievements
In 1998, Baroness Lawrence founded the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust for architectural students and it continued until 2020 (this original trust do not bear Stephen’s name).
In 2020, Baroness Lawrence founded a new charity the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation, which creates more opportunities for young people, supporting classrooms, strengthening communities, and building the careers of promising young individuals. She is committed to emphasising the life her son could have had and helping others fulfil those opportunities.
In 2020, Baroness Lawrence was appointed the Race Relations Advisor to the Labour Party, and she continues to serve on the Joint Committee for Human Rights in the Houses of Parliament.
None of the monumental achievements in fighting racism in the justice system would have happened if not for Baroness Lawrence relentless and tenacious pursuit of justice. Over the last 32 years, she has not only been fighting for justice for Stephen but ensuring that his life is remembered.
SMK is so honoured to be able to award Baroness Doreen Lawrence with the Long-Term Achievement Award 2025 as a recognition for exceptional campaigning over several decades that has delivered such significant impact.
Nick Lowles
I’m both thrilled and humbled to have been shortlisted for an award. I feel lucky that I get paid doing a job that is both enjoyable and rewarding, so to be recognised by my peers for my work is just icing on the cake.”
Nick Lowles
Nick Lowles
I’m honoured to receive this Long-Term Achievement Award, which recognises not only past efforts but the ongoing need to campaign for justice in Stephen’s name. This moment deepens my resolve to keep fighting for change — for justice, and for future generations who rely on us to ensure history is not repeated.”
The Baroness Doreen Lawrence of Clarendon OBE
