The 20th anniversary of Stephen Lawrence’s death haunts the British society with unanswered questions on racism. On April 22, 1993, 18-year-old Stephen Lawrence was killed by a gang of miscreants while he was waiting for a bus in Eltham, southeast London. Police investigation into the racist murder was lackadaisical and it took 19 long years to bring justice to the teen’s family.

Speaking at the memorial service of the slain Stephen Lawrence, David Cameron said the tragedy changed the momentum of British society. “It was also a moment that sparked monumental change in our society - change that has been brought about by the tireless efforts of Stephen’s family in challenging the police, government and society to examine themselves and ask difficult questions”, the Prime Minister said.

Stephen Lawrence’s parents Neville and Doreen Lawrence were forced to battle their son’s case for 20 long years, to see the offenders Gary Dobson and David Norris jailed for his murder in January last year. Only two of the six offenders were caught while the remaining are still on the loose. The detective leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Clive Driscoll, said the inquiry is still live and that his team will follow any leads that come up.

Brave words came from the bereaved parents of racism victim Stephen Lawrence, whose father Neville said, “It took us nearly 20 years to get this result and we did not know whether we would get it. I do not know if I am going to live another 20 years but I have not given up on the detectives finding a way to get the others.” How do we deal with racist attacks? What punishment should the offenders serve?