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'Disgusting' race attack on Stephen
Amar Singh and Dominic Hayes14.02.08
The memorial centre built in honour of murdered black teenager Stephen Lawrence was vandalised today in a racist attack.
It was the fourth such attack in less than a year at the centre in Deptford, which helps young Londoners from deprived areas. More than £100,000 damage was caused when thugs smashed eight glass panels.
Mayor Ken Livingstone said: "I am disgusted by this racist attack which comes only one week after it officially opened. It also comes on the anniversary of the inquest that confirmed Stephen's death to be an unprovoked racist murder, and will be even more distressing for his mother Doreen, who fought to establish this cultural landmark for the whole community."
Stephen, 18, was stabbed to death in Eltham in 1993. The killing and the mishandled police inquiry that followed led to major reforms in police practice. His killers have never been brought to justice. The damage to the Stephen Lawrence Centre was spotted by security guards at about 4.45am today.
The incident is being investigated by a hate crime unit. Officers are studying CCTV footage.
The building's facade was designed by leading black British artist Chris Ofili.
Karin Woodley, chief executive of the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, said: "The police flagged it as a racist incident because the glazings are reinforced and it would have been quite a sustained attack. Also, it's the fourth attack on the building. The last one was in September. We are looking at how we can make it safe. We will have to get some panels covered up."
The centre, funded by the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, was opened officially last week by Mr Livingstone and Mrs Lawrence. Stephen's father Neville now lives in Jamaica.
Ms Woodley said she had spoken to Mrs Lawrence about the incident. "I think the family are really saddened. I know that Doreen is just very sad," she said.
Ms Woodley said the attacks would not stop the centre from doing its work - and it would be prepared to help rehabilitate the racists if they were proved to be the culprits.
"We work with young people who need our support and we don't choose them on the basis of their race. We are working with girls, boys and demonstrably with all races," she said.
"It seems to make us more determined. We know the majority of people are very proud [of the centre]."
While the centre was set up to boost applications from young black people to white-dominated careers such as architecture, Ms Woodley said it was also helping growing numbers of white working class boys.
This is not the first time a memorial-to Stephen has been targeted by racists. A granite plaque near the Eltham bus stop where he was killed has been regularly targeted.
MP for Lewisham Deptford, Joan Ruddock, said: "This is heartbreaking news.
"I am sure the vast majority of people will be absolutely appalled, Stephen Lawrence and his family represent all that is best in our society.
"The people who have done this cowardly act deserve utter contempt."
Prince Charles, Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Lib-Dem leader Nick Clegg were among those who sent messages of support to the centre.
Reader views (16)
Could someone explain how this is a racist attack if no one has been caught and charged yet?
- Thomas, newcastle,northumberland
Stephen Lawrence's parents have shown great dignity and compassion and have channelled their pain into a centre which can provide for all disadvantaged young people, regardless of race. White people (myself included) should feel honoured that we can show our opposition to racism, not resentful. Somebody must know who the vandals were - they need to know that the vast majority of the people of Lewisham feel sickened by their actions.
- Rosie H, Catford
How do the police know that it was a 'racist' attack? Does this mean that any vandalism on property owned or 'inspired' by a black person is considered racist? Wouldn't it be a more politically correct to categorise the act as 'vandalism' until the police investigation can prove that it was racially motivated? Also, what happens if the perpetrators were young black kids? Does that change the motive from ‘racist’ to simply ‘unnecessary’?
- Vic, Weybridge, Surrey
How can an attack on 'property' be deemed to be racist? They do not at this stage know the race of those committing the crime. If the attackers are found to be 'black' is the 'racist' element of the crime removed? I find this hysteria surrounding anything to do with the Stephen Lawrence case 'offensive'. There are hundreds of both black and white teenagers murdered each year - are their lives not as newsworthy as his?
- Roberta Woods, Eltham, London
Why do we have these provocative monuments anyhow, paid for by our taxes. I think we should stop wasting money on these politically correct Nu Labor projects.
- Georgie, London,
Is there any actual evidence this was a racist attack or is it just endemic of vandalism in yob Britain that happens every night?
- Marc, Harrow, Uk
A few questions:
How do they know it was a racist attack?
Why would you have a building for this type of memorial built from glass? Not very bright in my opinion.
How did the bill get into 6 figures for 8 panes of glass?
I think the money could be better spent.
- John F, Doha, ex East London
How is this a racist attack? Windows get smashed in inner cities all the time.
- Jimbob, Kensington
It has to do with literacy don't you all think? An illiterate person knows no better but to do wrong things because he/she uses their spare time to do unearthly things. They have no brain, to think but time will catch up on all attackers more so the killers of Steven Lawrence. There is an unseen eyes watching everything we do.
- Q, UK
I totally disagree with Sarah N. Whether poor or not if you have a vision and you are determined to maximise the opportunities that come your way you will do great things...yes, even become a qualified architect. When I heard about the vandalism, in the car on the way home from work today, I was saddened. I reminded myself that it is only illiterate, good-for-nothing people who would do such a thing. If you held down a responsible job, and were making a difference in the lives of others, you would not have time to vandalise property whether you agreed with the vision behind the project/building or not.
I am a single mum with two kids, work full-time, studying a distance learning post-graduate course and I'm preparing to become a Chartered Surveyor. My parents were not rich.
Regarding Stephen Lawrence's killers...I would remind them that there is a God in Heaven who will not let murder go unpunished!
- Nadu Lawson, Woolwich Common, London
This is an attack not only in Deptford and Lewisham but on Deptford and Lewisham's community. Whoever is responsible has damaged a real, living community asset for everyone.
- Alan Hall, Lewisham, London
I'm quite upset that the only reason being touted around for the damage to this ridiculously named building is racism. Deptford residents are not happy that so much money has been spent on a building with no local benefits while local community projects get nothing. As well as that, Deptford suffers from a high rate of anti-social behaviour that includes criminal damage to buildings as well as cars. Therefore it would not be a surprise to find out local youths were involved. Let's stick to comments from people who live in Deptford not mouth pieces who have no clue of the area.
- Duwayne Brooks, Deptford
I wonder whose objectives are promoted by this deliberate vandalism?
- Jack, London
This is an appalling thing to do, but I don't see what proof they have that it is a racist attack and not just plain ordinary vandalism. Ms Woodley says it's because the centre has been attacked three times previously and but it has only been a Stephen Lawrence memorial centre for a week. Surely this proves that the attacks are not racist?
- Isabel, Woking, England
Isn't it about time that all these race-specific projects were scrapped? They lead to resentment and bad feeling. Why can't it be openly acknowledged that being poor in this country is the biggest single factor in people not being able to access certain professions.
Architecture is a very good example: a degree in architecture is only the first rung on the ladder, there are two further steps, lasting years, before becoming a qualified architect. This takes a lot of money. When you go to do the vital work placement you are competing against rich kids who can afford to work without a salary for several years. I know of one prominent architectural firm in London which would go out of business if it weren't for this free work. How can any working-class kid, Caribbean, White, or Asian afford to do this?
It's class, not race which holds people back in the UK.
- Sarah N., London, UK.
What is wrong with these people. Why can't they let Stephen Lawrence and his family rest in peace? He was murdered in a racist attack and his killers are still at large, through police error or corruption is not for me to say.
The Stephen Lawrence Foundation has helped young people (of all colours!) to realise their dreams for years now.
Stephen Lawrence was a good child, an innocent child. The filth who did this don't deserve any respect and if I knew who it was I would most definitely inform the police.
- Kim, london
