He was put into handcuffs and leg restraints then lost consciousness as he was carried to an ambulance and later suffered a cardiac arrest.
An inquest found the decision by police to use restraints on Mr Clarke contributed to his death but the two officers involved were cleared of gross misconduct as a disciplinary panel found there was not enough evidence to prove either officer had heard Mr Clarke say the words “I can’t breathe”.
A mural created by artist Carleen De Sözer will be unveiled on Thursday, July 24.
Community members are invited to gather at The Albany Deptford Café before walking together to the unveiling site.
Kevin’s mum, Wendy Strachan, said: “After losing my son at the hands of Lewisham Police officers, we did not get accountability or justice. We have been deeply disappointed by the system, so this mural is a big source of comfort to us.
“It shows his humanity in a way that the system refused to. We appreciate Carleen’s work and are grateful for that he will be remembered in Lewisham.”
Kevin’s sister, Tellecia Strachan, said: “This mural is such a bittersweet moment for the family, filled with raw emotions of hurt, anger and grief. It’s been seven years since Kevin was taken from us, but it still only feels like yesterday!
“On March 9, 2018, Kevin’s life was cut short at the hands of the police who held him down to the point that he constantly gasped out the words “I CAN’T BREATHE”! This injustice remains with us today!
“Kevin’s name is on a long list of those who die at the hands of the state and families are left to seek, campaign and fight for answers as to how they lost their loved one with no real justice, just the trauma!
“But we continue as a family to keep our son, our brother, our uncle, our friend alive. So we are grateful today that this mural is placed here in Deptford where Kevin was known and well-loved and where people will be reminded of his story!”
