In the 30 years since Stephen Lawrence was murdered on a dark street by racists, he has come to be seen as an iconic symbol of the herculean attempt by his parents to make that outrage mean something. They have become symbolic figures after leading a campaign that made Britain look at itself and face up to the unfairness and racist inequalities that blighted it.
But as their lawyer, working closely with them for so many years, I was privileged to see behind the symbols and to know something of Stephen for what he was: a young, lively, bright and sociable Black Londoner navigating his way through what was left of his teenage years and planning his future. And to see his parents for what they were and are: ordinary, brave, warm, public-spirited people who speak to the truth that society can be changed for the better by courageous people who raise a voice. On behalf of their son, on behalf of us all, they raised a voice.
