Dear Damien Egan,
We, as Black Lives Matter UK, are writing to you on behalf and with consent of Kevin Clarke's family. Kevin Clarke (KC), a Black man, a beloved son and brother, who died in Lewisham police custody on 9th March 2018. His death involved dangerous police restraint and the Coroner's Court inquest ruled on 9th October 2020, that it was highly likely Lewisham MPS officers heard KC say "I can't breathe".
We note that Lewisham Council published Black Lives Matter statement after George Floyd's death. Also as reported in News Shopper on 16th June 2020, you have committed to establish a local forum to "better understand our local landmarks" and a desire to "ensure future memorials and public art celebrates our borough's diversity".
While KC's death differed from George Floyd's, there were unfortunate similarities. KC's family have asked the council, the Mayor and local MPs for help in commemorating KC and sadly after months of asking, they are still awaiting a response.
A mural paying tribute to Kevin was removed just weeks after being painted
Anti-racist activists helped the family commemorate Kevin with a mural during the inquest last year which was abruptly taken down. As we approach the 1 year anniversary of George Floyd's death and the Black Lives Matter global uprisings, we ask Lewisham Council to restore the mural. A public commitment to ensure a permanent home for a Kevin Clarke mural to offer healing to the bereaved family and to record an important part of Lewisham's recent history and struggle against racism.
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