The London Eye Will Light Up In Orange To Mark Stephen Lawrence Day

Look to the London Eye on April 22, as the landmark commemorates 30 years since the death of London teenager Stephen Lawrence.

Alex Landon • 21 April, 2023

The London Eye lit up in orange on a cloudless night. — London Eye lit up for Stephen Lawrence Day last year

It’s been 30 years since the horrific murder of Stephen Lawrence in southeast London, as the eighteen-year-old was killed in an unprovoked, racially motivated attack.

In the years since, the tireless campaigning of his mother, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, has helped keep the spotlight on Stephen’s life and legacy – with the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation aiming to fight racial inequality and advocate for a more inclusive society. To reflect on both Stephen’s memory, and the crucial work the foundation that bears his name is doing today, the London Eye will light up in orange on Saturday, April 22.

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A post shared by Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation (@sldayfdn)

Every year on April 22 (the date of Stephen’s death), the Foundation celebrates Stephen’s legacy and the progress made towards fighting racism, promoting equality, and celebrating diversity. Though there is a still a long way to go, the steps made in recent years are shaping a better society for all, and on Stephen Lawrence Day, we have an opportunity to reflect on the work done and the work needed to do next.

London Eye lit up orange for Stephen Lawrence Day — *Image: London Eye*

The Foundation’s Instagram page has been building up to the day by running their ‘Extraordinary Ordinary’, which centers around a poem about Stephen which was written by his mother,Baroness Lawrence, and presenter Clara Amfo. The Television ad created for the campaign is also being aired in slots on Sky and Channel 4.

Year-round, the Foundation helps to create career opportunities from underrepresented communities, helping with scholarships and apprenticeships, the lighting up of the London Eye in orange (the colour of the Stephen Lawrence Foundation) recognises the work it carries it as well as remembering Stephen.

Imran Tauqir, General Manager of the London Eye, said: “We are honoured to be illuminating the lastminute.com London Eye orange in support of Stephen Lawrence Day, honouring Stephen’s legacy and standing in solidarity with the Lawrence family and all those who continue to fight against racism and injustice.

“It is just one small way that we can show our support and hopefully inspire fellow Londoners to commit to taking one small action that will positively impact the lives of young people from marginalised backgrounds, ultimately building a fairer, kinder, and more equitable society.”

You can find out more about Stephen Lawrence Day, and the Foundation’s work, on their website.

Also published on Medium.