Razors & Scissors

22nd April – Stephen Lawrence Day

Today is a moment to reflect on how unimaginable tragedy can be transformed into lasting legacy.

The murder of Stephen Lawrence in 1993 was not just a loss to his family, but a loss to society — a young man with ambition, talent, and a clear vision for his future in architecture. What followed, however, has become one of the most powerful examples of resilience and purpose in modern British history.

Stephen’s parents, Doreen and Neville Lawrence, turned grief into action.

Through their relentless fight for justice, they exposed deep institutional failures and helped drive change within policing, equality legislation, and public accountability. Their courage reshaped conversations around race and justice in the UK — and continues to do so today.

But their work didn’t stop there.

The creation of the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust (now the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation) and the establishment of the Stephen Lawrence Centre in Deptford stand as living legacies — supporting young people, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue careers in architecture and the built environment. This is not just remembrance — it’s opportunity, empowerment, and progression.

That is what legacy looks like.

Not just remembering a life lost — but building pathways so others can fulfil the dreams that were taken.

As educators, leaders, and professionals, we all have a role to play:

* To challenge inequality
* To create opportunity
* To ensure fairness is not optional, but embedded

Because real change doesn’t come from reflection alone — it comes from action.

A tragedy sparked a movement. A movement created a legacy.

Inclusion Leadership

Our new number 9

1. Day 1: “How am I really feeling today?” – Daily emotional check-in chart.
2. Day 2: 3-minute breathing exercise before your first client.
3. Day 3: Identify a stress trigger – write it down.
4. Day 4: Start a “Wins” journal – record 1 thing that went well today.
5. Day 5: Ask a client how they’re doing – and really listen.
6. Day 6: Hydration reminder – aim for 6–8 glasses today.
7. Day 7: Take 10 mins with no phone, no clippers – just silence.