We are immensely proud to be partnering with the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation to promote racial equality in our members’ schools and workplaces. Working together, we are aiming to keep the legacy of Stephen Lawrence alive amongst children and young people by supporting teachers to deliver lessons around the story of Stephen’s life, teaching young people about tolerance and anti-discrimination.
We believe racism is a trade union issue. It affects people inside and outside the workplace – whether that be with discrimination, access to decent jobs, equal pay or the disproportionate deaths that BAME communities have suffered due to Coronavirus.
Last year, the tragic death of George Floyd once again brought systemic and structural racism to the forefront of the public imagination. It showed us that despite the significant progress made over the past few decades, there is still so much more to do.
How can you support Stephen Lawrence Day?
Stephen Lawrence Day 2021 was established by the former Prime Minister Theresa May in 2019, on the 25th anniversary of Stephen’s death, April 22nd. It is a day dedicated to Stephen’s memory that also allows people to reflect upon the part we all play in creating a society in which everyone can flourish.
There are lots of different ways you can get involved on the day, depending on what you do.
If you work in an education setting…
Working in partnership with schools and professional associations, we have developed a range of age-appropriate materials which include a staff briefing, suggestions for assemblies and a suite of further resources which allow for different curriculum entry points. These materials are available on the website www.stephenlawrenceday.org and can be used flexibly to support the children and young people in your school to understand the part they play as individuals in creating a society in which everyone can flourish.
At the heart of Stephen’s legacy is a focus on building pupils’ confidence and skills relating to emotional intelligence, resilience, respect and care. Stephen’s Day should support children and young people to value difference, embrace diversity, behave responsibly and make positive choices to contribute as active, healthy, engaged citizens in multicultural Britain.
If you don’t work in education…
- You could donate to or raise funds for the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation. All donations fund the charity’s work to keep changing the lives of young black people whether it’s in the classroom, communities or during their careers. Read more here.
- You could ask the schools in your area, or your children’s schools to support Stephen Lawrence Day 2021, 22nd April.
- Contact your employer and ask them to work with us to organise a discussion, a workshop or a webinar related to our anti-racism work.
- Make some noise. Post a video on social media saying why you are supporting Stephen Lawrence Day 2021. Tell the world what a difference Stephen’s story has made to you. Take a photo of yourself and share on your social media, or write your own personalised message on a sheet of A4!
For more information on the above or to get involved, email equalities@community-tu.org
If you are a member of Community and need help or advice, please contact us at help@community-tu.org or on 0800 389 6332.
© Community Trade Union 2024