Visiting the Stephen Lawrence Research Centre: Why Racial Literacy Matters

Last week, I had the privilege of visiting the Stephen Lawrence Research Centre at De Montfort University—my alma mater—and speaking with researchers working to incorporate racial literacy into the UK education system.

It was one of those conversations that reminds you why this work matters.

What is Racial Literacy?

Racial literacy is the ability to understand, discuss, and challenge racism and racial inequality. It's about giving people—especially young people—the tools to recognize bias, understand systemic inequality, and take action.

The researchers at the Stephen Lawrence Centre are working to embed racial literacy in schools, so the next generation grows up equipped to challenge inequality rather than perpetuate it.

Why This Connects to Crowned with Care

On the surface, hair care for children in foster care and racial literacy in education might seem unrelated.

But they're both addressing the same fundamental issue: systemic inequality that affects Black and Mixed Heritage children.

When a child in care goes months without proper hair care because their carer lacks knowledge and resources, that's a systemic failure.

When children grow up without learning about racism, bias, and inequality in school, that's a systemic failure.

When Black children are disproportionately placed in care, excluded from school, and face barriers to opportunity, that's a systemic failure.

We're All Part of the Same Movement

What struck me most about my visit to the Stephen Lawrence Centre was this: we're all at different stages of the same journey.

Some people are working in education. Others in healthcare, housing, criminal justice, or community support. Some are in grassroots organizations. Others in universities or policy.

But we're all working toward the same goal: a society where Black and Mixed Heritage people are truly valued, seen, and supported.

The Power of Coming Together

The issues we're addressing are big. They're systemic. They've existed for generations.

But there are people across the UK doing the work. Researching it. Teaching it. Living it. Fighting for change.

When we connect, share knowledge, and support each other's work, the impact is exponentially greater than what any of us can do alone.

What's Next

I left the Stephen Lawrence Research Centre feeling energized and hopeful.

Crowned with Care addresses one small piece of a much larger puzzle. But that piece matters. And when combined with the work being done by researchers, educators, activists, and community organisations across the country, real change becomes possible.

If you're doing work in this space—whether in education, community support, policy, or grassroots activism—keep going. Your work matters. And we're stronger when we work together.

Emiola Lanlehin, FounderCrowned with Care