The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Crime: Special day to commemorate racism victim
The anniversary of Stephen Lawrence’s death is to be marked on April 22 each year by a commemoration of his life and legacy, to be known as Stephen Lawrence Day, Theresa May has announced.
The commemorative day was announced at a memorial service marking the 25th anniversary of Stephen’s murder.
The murdered teenager’s father, Neville, said: “We have got some justice and now this is like a mark of what we have been trying to do for years – our son’s memory is going to be enshrined in history.”
Mrs May was among a number of national figures, including Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle who joined Stephen’s parents Doreen and Neville at St Martin-in-theFields Church in London. The 18-year-old student was fatally stabbed by a gang of racists in Eltham, London, on April 22 1993.
It was a watershed in modern race relations after the Macpherson Report concluded the police made mistakes and were guilty of institutional racism.
Harry and Ms Markle met Stephen’s mother, now a peer sitting in the Lords, and brother the service.
During yesterday’s service Mrs May gave a reading. Mrs May added: “For the past 25 years, Doreen and Neville have fought heroically to ensure that their son’s life and death will never be forgotten.
“But it is right that Stephen’s name and legacy lives on. In the run-up to this service, I have spoken with Baroness Lawrence Stuart before (Doreen Lawrence) about how best to achieve this. So, today, with Baroness Lawrence’s blessing, I can announce the government will work with the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust to establish a national, annual commemoration of Stephen’s life and legacy, to take place on 22 April each year: Stephen Lawrence Day.”
Baroness Lawrence said: “I’d like to thank the prime minister. This 25th anniversary is a moment for the country to come together to remember Stephen and, going forward, 22 April will provide that focal point.”
Mr Lawrence added: “That is one of the best things I have heard for years. I think I will sleep peacefully in my bed tonight.”