On Tuesday 3rd October 2023, a sold-out audience of more than 200 people attended the lecture – entitled 'A Legacy of Hope and Change' – at the University's Luton campus, with hundreds more joining via the online livestream.

The event is available to view again on the University's YouTube channel.

During the hour-long lecture and Q&A, Baroness Lawrence spoke openly about her extraordinary life, career and the events which have shaped her life. This included her work to create a better and fairer society following her son’s death, how she learned to grieve and how her family has sought and fought for criminal justice.

Baroness Lawrence said: "Here I am now, having to use my voice on a bigger platform. Stephen's death changed me completely, even though I'd always said I am the same person, except my voice is a little louder than it used to be. People say to me, 'I don't know how you do this,' but I didn't plan on anything, I haven't got any script I'm following. I'm just following my heart in what I know I need to do."

She added: “I try not to focus too much on knife crime, I try to look at the positive side of what Stephen’s name can do to try and make change – I know a lot of parents are also trying to do that.”

Welcoming Baroness Lawrence, the University’s Vice Chancellor Professor Rebecca Bunting commented: “It is my very great pleasure to introduce our guest, Baroness Doreen Lawrence of Clarendon OBE. Baroness Lawrence leads as a powerhouse of courage, ensuring that Stephen’s story is as important and relevant as ever, and we are delighted that she has found time to join us in her very busy schedule.”

Before the event, Baroness Lawrence also met with members of the University’s Race Equality Network to discuss the important actions taking place across University to promote race equality for all students and staff.

This successful event marks the beginning of the University of Bedfordshire’s Black History Month celebrations, with further events lined up throughout the month. Click here to find out how the Students’ Union and the University is recognising the month with further events for students.