The National Assembly Against Racism, an Advisor to the Lawrence Inquiry and the NUS Black Students' Campaign have condemned the vandalism against the Stephen Lawrence Memorial Centre.
It has been reported that the Centre's signature windows, designed by Turner Prize Winner Chris Ofili, were destroyed by vandals. The building was opened only last week.
Dr Richard Stone, Advisor to the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, said:
"This seems to have been a premeditated, planned attack aimed at causing distress to the Lawrence family because they are black; it is the fourth attack in one week. This is a sad day for people committed to equality of human beings and is a reminder of the injustice faced by the Lawrences; that those who murdered Stephen continue to walk free on the streets today."
Denis Fernando, Co-ordinator, National Assembly Against Racism, said:
"These cowardly acts of vandalism on the Stephen Lawrence Memorial Centre is an attack against the Lawrence family, who are a beacon to all those who seek to oppose racist injustice. As a Black British man, Stephen's body could not even be buried in Britain as his family feared attacks on his grave; their fears were confirmed, as the memorial plaque marking the place he was murdered has been repeatedly vandalised over the years. We call on the police to ensure that the perpetrators of this crime are brought to justice and offer all our support to Stephen's family."
Ruqayyah Collector, NUS Black Students' Officer, said:
"The Stephen Lawrence Memorial Centre is a commemoration of the potential contribution that young black people like Stephen Lawrence, who aspired to be an architect, can make to society. In Stephen's case, this contribution was fatally destroyed. Racism continues to be a constant blight on the opportunities for many young black people to realise their potential. The Memorial Centre is a testament to Stephen's family who fought against the injustice they faced, having seen their son and brother murdered for being black. This latest attack will only cause further injury to a family that have never seen justice served against the racist murder of their son and is a reminder to us all that the fight against racism must be prioritised now as it did at the time of Stephen's murder."