Jeannette Arnold, chair of the Stephen Lawrence Trust (left), Mayor Ken Livingstone and Doreen Lawrence at the launch of the 2003 'Respect Festival' at City Hall. - Photo By NoelThompsonEFFORTS TO tackle racism will be stepped up next week when the anti-racism 'Respect Festival' kicks-off in London.
The event aims to bring Londoners together to raise awareness about racism through various initiatives in schools, local councils and workplaces.
Organised by the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, in conjunction with the National Assembly Against Racism and the Trade Union Congress South East Region, 'Respect' aims to encourage Londoners to stand up and challenge racism in the workplace, schools and the home.
Now in its third year, the festival is being dedicated to Stephen Lawrence, who was murdered in a racist attack 10 years ago. In launching the event last week, Mayor Livingstone said: "The response to this year's Respect Festival and the range of events being put on across the capital as part of the first ever Respect Week, underline Londoners' commitment to a city that welcomes and celebrates diversity and is opposed to racism."
Respect Week began on Saturday, July 12, and culminates on Saturday, July 19 with the largest anti-racist festival in Europe and the first free event at the Dome in Greenwich.
Mr. Livingstone added that the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence was a stark reminder of the terrible impact that racism has on families. "I look forward to a great day out, one that shows that Londoners are prepared to stand together against racism and intolerance," he said.
Stephen's mother, Doreen Lawrence, said: "It is 10 years since my son Stephen was murdered, but his killers are still out there and free to attack anyone else. Racist incidents in Eltham where my son was murdered and in other parts of South East London are on the rise and those caught committing racist crimes are treated too leniently as happened with the black police officer. There are too many excuses. I hope that dedicating this year's Respect Festival to the memory of my son, and it taking place here in the borough where he was killed, will encourage more Londoners to stand up and actively challenge racism."
