BHM SEO London Spotlight

Source: Lambeth Archive

Olive Morris (1952–1979) was a pioneering British community activist who dedicated her short but extraordinary life to the fight against racial and gender injustice.

Born in Jamaica and raised in South London, Olive emerged as one of the most fearless and influential figures in Britain’s Black liberation and feminist movements of the 1970s. She became a leading voice in campaigns for housing rights, racial equality and Black self-determination, challenging systems that sought to silence and exclude.

As a co-founder of the Brixton Black Women’s Group and the Organisation of Women of African and Asian Descent, Olive helped build platforms for solidarity, education and empowerment among Black women across the UK. Her activism extended from the streets of Brixton to university halls and local councils, wherever voices needed to be raised for justice.

Beyond protest, Olive believed deeply in community organising, collective care and the power of education as liberation. She championed the idea that social change begins with ordinary people recognising their shared strength and refusing to accept inequality as inevitable.

Though she passed away at just 27, Olive Morris’s fearless activism and unwavering belief in equality left a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of campaigners. Olive’s life is a powerful reminder to all young people that you are never too young to make a positive difference.

As part of Black History month we are honoured to shine a light on Olive’s legacy and fearless spirit, carrying her torch of justice in the 21^st century through our ongoing commitment to equality. We’re proud to be Property Week’s charity partner for the Inspiring Women in Property Awards, celebrating trailblazing women shaping the future of real estate. And in the spirit of racial equality, we’re excited to have hosted the Weil, Gotshal & Manges BLAST Masterclass 2025 (Black Lawyers Achieving Success Together) October 6, empowering aspiring Black lawyers through skills workshops, mentoring and networking. 

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Baroness Doreen Lawrence (1952-)

After the tragic murder of her son Stephen in 1993, Baroness Doreen Lawrence transformed unimaginable personal loss into a national movement for justice and reform. Refusing to be silenced, she campaigned relentlessly for accountability, her determination leading to the Macpherson Inquiry, which exposed deep-rooted failings in the Metropolitan Police and officially recognised institutional racism within British policing.

Her courage not only changed public attitudes but also paved the way for landmark reforms across public life. Since then, Baroness Lawrence has continued to champion social justice, education and youth empowerment, founding the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation to inspire a fairer and more inclusive society.

Today, she stands as one of the UK’s most respected voices for equality, a living reminder that lived experience can drive systemic change and that one person’s perseverance can help reshape a nation’s conscience.

At SEO London, we draw inspiration from leaders like Baroness Lawrence as we push for equity in recruitment and representation across top industries. Too often, access is framed as a tick-box exercise, while structural barriers remain in place unacknowledged .

That’s why we are developing a new forward-facing convening space where research, top employers and decisive minds meet to rethink access, belonging and the future of work. Still a work in progress, this space will turn what people really experience in recruitment and at work into actionable standards leaders can adopt, ensuring belonging isn’t just a promise, but a practice.

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Malorie Blackman (1962 -)

One of Britain’s most celebrated writers, Malorie Blackman has transformed the literary landscape by putting diverse voices and stories at the heart of mainstream culture. As the first Black Children’s Laureate, she broke barriers in publishing and inspired countless young readers to see themselves reflected in the books they love.

Through acclaimed works such as the Noughts & Crosses series, Blackman explores themes of identity, injustice, love and resilience, prompting readers to question the world around them and imagine a fairer one. Her storytelling challenges stereotypes, broadens perspectives and proves that representation is not just important, but essential to understanding who we are as a society.

That same spirit drives our SEO Ignite Summer Residential Programme for Year 11 students, a week-long journey to explore career and education pathways while building cultural capital. From engaging with leading professionals to experiences such as theatre visits, just as Blackman opened doors through literature, Ignite helps young people unlock new opportunities and imagine futures they may not have thought possible.

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Mary Seacole (1805 –1881)

Drawing on her mother’s Jamaican healing traditions and her own training, Mary Seacole became one of history’s most pioneering nurses and entrepreneurs. During the Crimean War, she faced racial prejudice and official rejection, yet refused to be deterred. Funding her own journey to the front lines, she established the British Hotel, a sanctuary providing food, comfort and medical care to wounded soldiers.

Seacole’s courage, innovation and compassion set her apart as a woman far ahead of her time. Her work blended medical skill with deep humanity, earning her the respect and affection of those she served. For many years her story was overlooked, but today she is celebrated as a trailblazer, humanitarian and barrier-breaker, a woman whose resilience and generosity continue to inspire generations across the world.

At SEO London, we see her legacy reflected in our Alumni network. Just as Seacole used her own strength and resources to uplift others, our Alumni dedicate their time, mentorship and donations to support the next generation of talent. Their commitment ensures that the opportunities once extended to them continue to open doors for others, proving that service and giving back are essential to building lasting change.