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Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation

@sldayfdn

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SLDF exists to inspire a more equitable, inclusive society and to foster opportunities for marginalised young people in the UK

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Today is April 22.
Stephen Lawrence Day.

Stephen wanted to build. And today, we build in his name.

As Baroness Doreen Lawrence shares, this year’s theme, Every Future Needs a Foundation, is about what young people truly need to succeed. Not just potential, but support. Not just ambition, but belief. A foundation that turns aspiration into achievement.

This day is not only about the past. It is about what comes next.

About the futures we help shape.
The opportunities we create.
The young people we choose to stand behind.

We all have a part to play in building these foundations.

Stand with us. Share the message. Partner with us. Support the next generation.

Donate today: 🔗 Link in bio 🧡

#StephenLawrenceDay #StephenLawrence #everyfutureneedsafoundation #sld26 #donate by @sldayfdn

THE POWER OF OPPORTUNITY & PAYING IT FORWARD

An opportunity can change a life. A network can change a future.

Last week, we joined @iqstudents for a special Black History Month event, celebrating Stephen's legacy and the power of investing in young people's futures.

We were joined by four inspiring members of our alumni community, Ramsey, Edem, Grace and Aaron, who shared their journeys, challenges and ambitions.

From @ramseyyassa establishing his own architectural practice @nooma.studio

To Edem highlighting the importance of professional networks and industry exposure...

Grace sharing how an accommodation bursary inspired her to pursue university...

And Aaron reflecting on the sense of belonging he's found through Stephen's legacy and his ambition to create opportunities for future graduates.

Four different journeys. One shared message: opportunity should never end with us.

A huge thank you to iQ Student Accommodation for hosting, and to our alumni for reminding us why investing in young people matters.

What's one opportunity that changed your life? Tell us below!

🧡 LIKE | 🔁 SHARE | ➕ FOLLOW

DONATE to help us continue opening doors for the next generation. Link in bio.

#StephenLawrenceDay #BlackHistoryMonth #StephensLegacy #iQStudentAccommodation #PayItForward #ArchitectureCareers by @sldayfdn

BLACK HISTORY MONTH | WHO GETS TO SHAPE OUR CITIES?

Who shapes the spaces we live in? Whose voices are heard? And how do we ensure the future of our built environment reflects the diversity of the communities it serves?

Last week, the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation was proud to come together with @ribalondon and @sohohouselondon for a special Black History Month event celebrating Black voices, experiences and contributions across architecture and the wider built environment.

Through conversations about representation, opportunity, identity and the power of lived experience, we explored the importance of creating an industry where talent is recognised, barriers are challenged and more people have the opportunity to shape the spaces around them.

For us, these conversations are deeply connected to Stephen's legacy and to have Stephen's alumni seated at the table, hearing their stories and the power of Stephen's legacy makes these conversations all the more real.

A huge thank you to our partners RIBA London and Soho House, to our alumni members @tanatswaborerwe & Moni (@omni.arch) and everyone who joined us, shared their experiences and contributed to such an important conversation.

Because creating a more inclusive built environment isn't just about who designs our buildings. It's about who gets a seat at the table, whose perspectives shape decisions and whose futures we're building.

We'd love to hear your thoughts: What do you think needs to change to make architecture and the built environment more accessible and representative?

🧡 LIKE to celebrate Black voices shaping our future.

SHARE to keep the conversation going.

FOLLOW to learn more about our work and Stephen's legacy.
DONATE to help us create opportunities for the next generation. Link in bio.

#BlackHistoryMonth #StephenLawrenceDay #StephenLawrenceDayFoundation #RIBA #SohoHouse #BlackExcellence #Architecture #BuiltEnvironment #RepresentationMatters #DiversityInArchitecture #BuildingFutures by @sldayfdn

Last Thursday, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, and SLDF trustee Karen Daye, attended the 2026 @riba Stirling prize ceremony, celebrating excellence, creativity and innovation across architecture and the built environment.

We were delighted to celebrate Jenny Boddington, winner of the 2026 Stephen Lawrence Prize, recognised for The Buttermarket by @a.threadstudio The project has transformed a former butter market in Redruth, Cornwall, into an accessible, welcoming community hub bringing together food vendors, artists, small businesses and a diverse programme of events.

Thank you to Matthew Goldschmied, representing the @marcogoldschmiedfoundation, whose continued support, through the sponsorship of this prize, helps sustain this important recognition of emerging architectural talent.

Now in its 28th year, the Stephen Lawrence Prize was established in 1998 by Baroness Doreen Lawrence and the Marco Goldschmied Foundation in memory of Stephen, whose ambition was to become an architect.

We were also proud to see Edem Torsutse, MA Architecture Part 2 @uniofgreenwich x SLDF scholar, take part in this year’s judging panel as its student juror. He will now receive mentorship from this year’s winner, Jen Boddington.

Congratulations to Jen, and thank you to everyone helping to create a more inclusive and representative profession. 🧡
#StephenLawrencePrize #StephenLawrenceDayFoundation #Architecture #BuiltEnvironment #RIBA #EmergingTalent #InclusiveDesign by @sldayfdn

🎓 YOUR CREATIVITY. YOUR FUTURE. YOUR OPPORTUNITY.

Applications are NOW OPEN for the second cohort of the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation Scholarships, supported by adidas! 🧡

Stephen had a keen passion for creativity. Alongside his ambition to become an architect, he loved designing T-shirts with his best friend Elvin, turning their ideas into something they could share and sell.

Today, his legacy continues to open doors for the next generation of creative talent.

In partnership with @lcflondon_ and @adidasuk, we're proud to offer FOUR scholarships at the London College of Fashion, helping talented young people from underrepresented backgrounds overcome financial barriers and pursue their ambitions in the fashion and creative industries.

£76,605 per scholar over three years, supporting tuition fees and living costs.

Whether your passion lies in fashion design, sportswear, styling, photography, marketing or creative direction, this could be your opportunity to turn your creativity into a career.

📅 Applications close: Sunday 1 November 2026 at 11pm (UK time).

🔗 Visit the link in our bio for eligibility criteria and application details.

📢 HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!

❤️ Like this post to support the next generation of creatives.

💬 Tag an aspiring designer, creative or future fashion industry leader in the comments, who may be studying at UAL already!

➕ Follow us to see how Stephen's legacy continues to create opportunities for young people.

Talent is everywhere. Opportunity should be too. 🖤

#StephenLawrenceDay #StephenLawrenceDayFoundation #adidas #UAL #LondonCollegeOfFashion #Scholarships #CreativeCareers #FashionEducation #BreakingBarriers #YouthOpportunity #StephensLegacy by @sldayfdn

BLACK HISTORY MONTH | BUILDING FUTURES, BREAKING BARRIERS

When we think about architecture, we often think about architects. But the built environment is full of exciting career opportunities, creative possibilities and different ways to shape the world around us.

This Black History Month, we're celebrating Tara and Lanre of Gboladé Design Studio, highlighting their journeys and the importance of Black representation across the built environment.

At the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation, we believe that you cannot be what you cannot see. By shining a light on diverse career pathways and the people paving the way, we hope to inspire the next generation to explore what's possible.

We want to hear from YOU! Are you considering a career in the built environment? Or are you already working in the industry? Tell us your dream career or current job title in the comments! 👇🏾

🧡 LIKE to celebrate Black excellence.

SHARE to inspire someone who may not have considered a career in the built environment.

FOLLOW for more inspiring stories, career insights and opportunities.

DONATE to help us continue Stephen's legacy and create pathways for the next generation. Link in bio.

Representation matters. Opportunity changes lives. Legacy builds futures.

#BlackHistoryMonth #BHM #RepresentationMatters #BuildingFutures #SLD by @sldayfdn

It was wonderful to join the Institute of Directors (IoD) last week for its annual graduation event, celebrating the achievements of its latest graduating cohort for the Certificate in Company Direction and Chartered Director programme.

Baroness Lawrence joined as guest speaker for an inspiring conversation with Julia Marsh, Non-Executive Director at the IoD, reflecting on leadership, opportunity and the importance of creating pathways for the next generation.

Through our partnership with the IoD, three SLDF scholars are currently completing their Certificate in Company Direction, developing their skills and knowledge as they take the next steps in their leadership journeys. And we were delighted to catch up with Dr. Grace Olugbodi, one of our current scholars, pictured here with Baroness Lawrence. Our three scholars will join the next graduating cohort, and we look forward to celebrating that milestone with them.

We’re also excited to be extending our relationship with the IoD and launching a second cohort of SLDF x IoD scholars soon. Keep an eye out for more details. Here’s to creating more opportunities, and developing future leaders. 🧡

#EveryFutureNeedsAFoundation #StephenLawrenceDay by @sldayfdn

Today, 13th September 2026, we honour what would have been Stephen Lawrence’s 52nd birthday. 🧡

More than three decades on, Stephen’s life and legacy continue to inspire a movement for equity, justice and opportunity.

On this day, we celebrate not only his life, but the powerful change created in his name — and the generations of young people who continue to be inspired by his ambitions, his story and his legacy.

At the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation, we are committed to carrying Stephen’s legacy forward by creating life-changing opportunities for underrepresented young people across Classrooms, Careers and Communities — helping to ensure that his name, story and legacy continue to inspire generations to come.

🧡 Help us continue this mission. Donate today to make an impact in Stephen’s name.
👉 Support our work: Link in bio

Happy 52nd Birthday, Stephen. 🧡
#EveryFutureNeedsAFoundation #SLD26 #StephenLawrenceDay by @sldayfdn

Young people have talent, ideas and aspirations. What they don't always have is equal access to the networks, resources and support that can help turn their potential into a future. 🧡

At the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation, we're working to open those doors through education, mentoring, scholarships, work experience and career pathways.

Because when young people are given the right support and opportunities, there is no limit to what they can achieve.

Help us create more opportunities and brighter futures for the next generation.

🧡 Support our work: 🔗 Link in bio

#StephenLawrenceDay #SLD26 #EveryFutureNeedsAFoundation #Opportunity #YoungPeople

1 by @sldayfdn

We are deeply saddened by the death of Professor Jason Arday.

Our thoughts are with his family, his friends, his colleagues and his students.

Jason’s work contributed to important conversations about race, education and representation in British institutions, and to the experiences of Black students across UK universities.

We ask that his family’s privacy is respected at this time. by @sldayfdn

Hope lives in our communities.

In this powerful conversation, photographer and activist Misan Harriman reflects on racism, the world his mixed-race children are growing up in, and why he still believes in the possibility of change.

It is a powerful reminder that prejudice does not have to be permanent. People can learn. Perspectives can change. Communities can challenge hatred and help build something better in its place.

At the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation, we believe in creating brighter futures for young people by building communities rooted in fairness, belonging, opportunity and respect.

The world our young people inherit is shaped by the choices we make today. By continuing to educate, challenge prejudice and create opportunities for connection and understanding, we can help build a future where every young person has the chance to thrive.

There is always hope for change. And hope lives in the community. 🧡

🎥 Video credit: @democracynow

#StephenLawrenceDay #SLD26 #EveryFutureNeedsAFoundation #Hope #Community AntiRacism Belonging SocialJustice YoungPeople ChangeBeginsWithUs by @sldayfdn

Representation matters because it shapes what young people believe is possible.

The Nue Black Aesthetic at the Design Museum @designmuseum brings together 16 contemporary Black designers and more than 100 works spanning fashion, furniture, architecture, product design and sculpture.

Through themes of identity, heritage and the lived realities of the Black experience, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, innovation and cultural influence of Black designers whose work continues to shape the world around us.

For young people aspiring to careers in architecture, design and the creative industries, exhibitions like this provide more than inspiration. They offer visibility, representation and the opportunity to see themselves reflected in the professions they hope to join.

At the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation, we’re committed to creating pathways that help talented young people access those opportunities and thrive within the creative industries.

If you’re able to visit, The Nue Black Aesthetic will be on display at the Design Museum from 6 November 2026 to 8 August 2027.

🎥 Original post: @_shawn_adams_

#StephenLawrenceDay #SLD26 #EveryFutureNeedsAFoundation #Architecture #Design by @sldayfdn