West Midlands anti-gun campaigner receives honorary doctorate

A West Midlands anti-gun campaigner whose daughter was killed in a drive-by shooting has received Birmingham City University’s (BCU) highest honour at a graduation ceremony at Symphony Hall.

Dr Marcia Shakespeare MBE received her honorary doctorate almost 21 years to the day that her 17-year-old daughter, Letisha Precious Shakespeare, was murdered in Birmingham on 2 January 2003.

Reflecting on the death of Letisha and her years fighting gun and violent crime, Marcia spoke of the power of education during her address to BCU graduates.

She said: “Coming to university has allowed me to evolve,” said Marcia, who completed a BA degree in Sociology & Psychology at BCU in 2009 and has now embarked on a PhD.

Marcia has also studied both a PGC and her Master’s in Teaching and Learning at BCU.

“The knowledge I've gained from studying at BCU has enabled me to adapt to my conditions to survive, which has allowed me to make changes for those who come after me.

“I have been able to change things within violent crime, working collectively with people from the University through the Precious Trust.”

Marcia is the founder of the Precious Trust, a charity named after her daughter, who was killed alongside her friend, Charlene Ellis.

The charity aims to create pathways to positive futures for young girls and has directly supported almost 2,000 vulnerable women so far.

Marcia herself has spoken to more than 100,000 young people through events and talks organised by The Precious Trust and West Midlands Police.

In recognition of her tireless campaigning work, Marcia was awarded an honorary doctorate from BCU’s School of Education and Social Work.

But her studying continues. Her PhD will explore the exploitation of young girls and women by street gangs in the United Kingdom.

Marcia continued: “Through my research with Birmingham City University’s Business Law and Social Sciences Faculty, we can break down wars of violence and prevent harm to children and young people.”

Pictured: Marcia Shakespear MBE with BCU vice-chancellor David Mba