A group of Sixth Form scholars attended one of the Henley Literary Festival events recently to listen to author Stuart Lawrence discuss his inspirational book Silence Is Not An Option. Three of the attendees, Matt Grundy, Dulcie Atherton Bebbington and Martha Berry, spoke about the talk in the recent Full College Service:
"Last Tuesday evening, we were presented with the fantastic opportunity to visit the Henley Literary Festival and listen to author Stuart Lawrence speak to the audience about his new book 'Silence is not an Option'. Stuart was inspired to write this book due to the tragic loss of his older brother in a racially-motivated attack in 1993. Stuart’s brother, Stephen Lawrence, was an 18 year old A level student who was waiting for a bus with a friend when he was murdered by a group of six young men who had racially targeted him, based only on the colour of his skin.
Although five suspects were arrested, none were charged at the time and it wasn’t until 2012 that two of the attackers were eventually jailed. There was a Police Complaints Authority investigation into police conduct during the murder investigation where significant failures, weaknesses, lost opportunities and general omissions were uncovered. As a direct result of the dedication of the Lawrence family for 28 years, there have been key proposals for changes in the law to clamp down on discrimination.
Not long after Stephen’s death, the family had the opportunity to meet Nelson Mandela, who led a movement that fought for the rights of black people in South Africa, and led negotiations to end the separation of black and white people, also known as ‘apartheid’. After hearing how Nelson Mandela had spent most of his life fighting for people’s rights, he became an inspiration to Stuart, as for Nelson Mandela, silence was never an option.
The meeting inspired Stuart to strive for a better future in his pursuit to raise awareness. He was motivated to dream big, have self confidence, as well as to set and achieve goals. In 2018, the BBC made a documentary about the Stephen Lawrence case, called ‘The Murder that Changed the Nation'. Stuart explained how today he channels his focus into current issues such as racism and systemic sexism, encouraging young people to unite and bring about change themselves.
His book ‘Silence Is Not An Option’, is a collection of motivational thoughts and suggestions for actions to improve your life, mingled with Stuart’s reflections on his relationship with his brother, Stephen. Stuart begins each chapter by relating his advice on topics such as self-control and to his experience after his brother died. This makes it easy to see how he has applied these lessons in his own life. The book aims to help young people live successful, positive, happy lives and to empower them to create change in the world. It covers everything from time management to growth mindset.
The legacy of the Stephen Lawrence case has shifted cultural attitudes to racism in the UK. It was a really interesting and inspirational evening and there is much to be admired in all that the Lawrence family has achieved. We all have a part to play in taking this legacy forward, remember, Silence is Never an Option."
Shiplake College was proud to sponsor two of the Henley Literary Festival's other events, including Michael Morpurgo's Carnival of Animals and 'Draw with Rob', with author and illustrator Rob Biddulph.
