Emeli Sande: Racism made me stronger

Emeli Sande says overcoming racism has made her a  »stronger person ».

The ‘My Kind of Love’ singer was one of the performers who graciously lent their time to Unity: A Concert for Stephen Lawrence – which marked the 20th anniversary of the death of race attack victim Stephen Lawrence – at The O2 arena in London last night (09.29.13) and she admits witnessing abuse towards her parents Joel and Diane Sande, who are an interracial couple, at a young age helped shape her morals as an adult.

Speaking at the event, she told BANG Showbiz:  »My parents suffered from racism being a black man and a white woman in the ’80s. It’s always been part of our lives in some way. Luckily, we haven’t suffered or it hasn’t affected our lives too severely. But it’s who I represent, it’s who I am, and it’s made me a much stronger person. »

Having experienced racism firsthand, the 26-year-old songbird feels a kinship with Stephen’s family, especially his mother Doreen, who has tirelessly campaigned to end racism and street violence in the wake of her son’s death in 1993.

She said:  »To be asked to perform and to bring my music here was a big deal for me. The Lawrence family have been part of my life from a distance from when I was very young. To be here now feels really incredible. »

Other stars who performed at the benefit concert include Jessie J, Ed Sheeran, Rita Ora, Tinie Tempah, Ellie Goulding and Rizzle Kicks.