#StephenLawrenceDay to be held annually

One week after the first ever #StephenLawrenceDay, it was clear the whole nation had embraced his remembrance and celebrated of the life of this promising young man who was tragically murdered on 22nd April 1993.

Schools, community groups, faith organisations, youth clubs, sports team, cadet groups and others remembered #StephenLawrenceDay by hosting different community events on 22nd April. Some schools organised workshops to discuss racism and equality, some schools produced art work and poems to express ways to promote equality and inclusion.

Some communities planted trees to remember Stephen, others organised sports events to bring people together, as a way of promoting cohesion and togetherness.

#StephenLawrenceDay was trending on social media with thousands of positive messages being communicated across the world. The key messages focused on encouraging people to stand strong in the fight against racism and to ensure the social, political and cultural landscape of Britain continues to promote equality and inclusion.

Richard Debicki, from North Wales Police Commented ‘’In the policing service, we carry the learning from the Stephen Lawrence case throughout our work and it is important for us to take time on this. The first #StephenLawrenceDay, to remind ourselves about Stephen’s life. Today is about remembering Stephen and all that he was’’.

Baroness Doreen Lawrence commented “If we are to encourage future generations to build a better society, free from discrimination, I believe that we must teach tolerance and inclusion from an early age."

London Mayor, Sadiq Khan Commented ‘’The brutal murder of Stephen Lawrence transformed our understanding of institutional racism in the UK. Today is the first #StephenLawrenceDay: a day to reflect on Stephen’s life and legacy, to inspire young people to live their best lives and to be part of social change’’.

PM Theresa May commented “Let us ensure that Stephen’s lasting legacy is a brighter, better future for many generations of children to come. #StephenLawrenceDay will be an annual event, a national day of commemoration for murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence and it will take place on 22nd April every year’’, the prime minister has said.

Baroness Lawrence said she looked forward to delivering the first Stephen Lawrence Day in 2019 alongside the government, adding: "I feel honoured she [PM Theresa May] has recognised the changes that have been made in Stephen's name and the changes that are still needed."

She thanked those who had helped her throughout the years and said that after 25 years "it is time to draw a line".

The government will work alongside the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust - set up to transform the lives of young people and campaign for social change - to deliver an annual commemoration to the death of Stephen Lawrence, which was considered a watershed moment in race relations in the UK.

Prince Harry said: "It hardly seems possible that 25 years have passed since Stephen Lawrence was so cruelly taken from his family.

"I remember vividly the profound shock that I felt at his senseless murder, a feeling shared by so many people across this country and beyond.

"I remember, too, just how deeply moved I was by the determination of Stephen's family to build something positive from the tragedy they endured and to ensure that Stephen's story did not end with despair, but continued with hope.".

#SLDay #RememberStephen