His brother’s murder cast a long shadow over Stuart Lawrence’s life. Now the former teacher has written a self-help manual for young people
is full of accessible, practical insights for young people. Stuart, who is now a motivational speaker and youth engagement specialist, counsels them to take constructive criticism, set goals, limit their screen time, think positively, and surround themselves with people from different walks of life. “It’s about trying to help kids,” he says. “If I can help them navigate this difficult world, and try not to listen too much to the noise outside, then they can really start from a good platform.
Stephen’s murder marked the end of what had been a happy childhood – the brothers were close and shared a bedroom, his parents, Neville and Doreen, were strict but loving and, although, looking back, he “had the middle child syndrome going on”, he says he was happy to be the one overlooked. “I wasn’t as cute as Georgina [his younger sister], or as good and clever as Stephen.
He decided to try to move on, and have as normal and happy a life as possible. But he looks like his brother – they have the same eyes, the same bone structure – and his surname carried with it a portentous weight. “I’ve become more comfortable in it,” he says of the legacy of being Stephen’s brother. “It was something I ran away from quite a lot in my younger years, because I suppose there’s an identity thing where you want to be known for yourself and what you can bring to the table.
Theo is now 11. “I know in time you will grow into a great and wonderful man and your light will shine bright forever, as you remind me so much of Stephen,” writes Stuart in. Does he worry about Theo walking the streets of London as a young Black male? Young Black men living in London are 19 times more likely to be stopped and searched by police than the rest of the public, while Black Londoners are three times more likely to be murdered than other ethnic groups.
Despite everything that has happened, he doesn’t blame all police officers. “I try not to bash them too much. They’re not all the same,” he says. In November 2021, Stuart called the police after his house was burgled. “I’m not from that world where I can call up the underground and say, ‘I’ve been robbed, put the feelers out,’” he jokes. When officers came around, they noticed a picture of Stephen on the wall. “I saw one of them clock it,” he chuckles.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Moskva sinking is ‘strategically important’: former US generalRussia was planning on having the Moskva play a key role in its pivot to southern and eastern Ukraine after having abandoned its effort to capture Kyiv.
Read more »
Jockey's tribute as Warne's horse wins first race'Hope the king enjoyed that one upstairs'. The horse part-owned by the late Shane Warne, Sacred Oath, is finally off the mark. 🙌 9WWOS
Read more »
NSW launches inquiry into historical LGBTIQ murdersThe inquiry will investigate the murders of people in the LGBTIQ community between 1970 and 2010.
Read more »
Western Australia plane crash: one dead and another injured after aircraft catches firePlane crashed as pilot tried to land at East Kimberley regional airport in Kununurra
Read more »
‘The only event I’ve ever wanted to win’: Wright rules supreme at Bells BeachAustralian surfing sensation Tyler Wright is a Bells Beach champion after a dominant performance to defeat five-time world champion Carissa Moore in the final.
Read more »
Multi-coloured plants are having a 'fashion' moment: Here's how to keep them aliveVariegated plants can be more expensive than their all-green counterparts. But there are ways to protect your investment and help them thrive, writes Gregory Moore.
Read more »