On Friday 25 April, the Dugdale Centre in Enfield played host to a moving and powerful tribute to Stuart Lawrence, an event sponsored by Nexus and expertly organised by Nexus ambassador, Anna Vaughan. The evening brought together members of the community, civic leaders, educators, and young people to honour the profound impact of Stuart’s work and legacy, while also reflecting on the injustice endured by his brother, Stephen Lawrence.
A standout moment of the evening came from Enfield Grammar School student, Micah Olowu, who was specially invited to perform a spoken word piece, which was a well-deserved opportunity following his stunning performance at the same venue as part of the Write2Speak group. Once again, Micah captivated the audience with his eloquence, passion, and deep sense of justice. His piece paid tribute to Stuart’s inspiring activism while courageously expressing his personal disapproval of the tragic events surrounding Stephen Lawrence’s death.
Micah’s performance was nothing short of remarkable and quickly became the highlight of the evening. He was met with heartfelt applause and warm commendations from his peers, the Lawrence family, the Mayor of Enfield (Cllr Mohammad Islam), Leader of Enfield Borough Council (Cllr Ergin Erbil), several headteachers, teachers, parents, and other specially invited guests in attendance. His powerful words resonated with all present, affirming the importance of youth voice in continuing the fight for justice and equality.
Following his performance, Micah was briefly interviewed, where his passion for speech and justice for all shone through once more. He spoke about the months-long process of developing his spoken word piece, describing the emotional depth and reflection that went into every line. He also used the opportunity to express his appreciation for the diversity and inclusivity nurtured at Enfield Grammar School – values clearly reflected in the school’s culture and curriculum, which he credited as helping shape both his identity and his voice.
Among those visibly moved by the performance were Micah’s proud parents and his teacher, Ms. Senior, who accompanied him to the event. Their pride was shared by all in the room, as Micah’s contribution reinforced not only his talent, but also the enduring relevance of the Lawrence legacy in today’s society.
The afternoon stood as a beacon of remembrance, resilience, and hope – with Micah Olowu’s performance serving as a poignant reminder that the torch of justice continues to be carried by a new, powerful generation.
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