Local Watford MP Dean Russell joined other community figures to honour Stephen Lawrence Day.
Stephen Lawrence Day takes place annually on the date of Stephen’s death and was created by the Stephen Lawrence Foundation as a celebration of his life and legacy. It exists "to inspire a more equal, inclusive society, and to foster opportunities for marginalised young people in the UK". Stephen’s life was cruelly taken in 1993 when he was just 18 years old. He was brutally murdered in an unprovoked racist attack whilst waiting for a bus with a friend in South London.
One of the aims of Stephen’s Day is to encourage people to do good through a simple act of kindness to help others in the community. They are also encouraging people to learn about Stephen’s story and to share their learnings with others. Speaking after the moving ceremony Dean said "It was an honour to be invited to speak at today’s event. Stephen’s family lost a much-loved son and brother in the most brutal circumstances because of racist hate. His legacy reminds us that compassion, friendship, understanding and tolerance are needed to bring communities together to thrive.
"We must create a society that treats everyone with fairness and respect. Whilst today is a celebration of Stephen’s life and legacy my thoughts are with Stephen’s family, particularly his parents Doreen and Neville. Despite suffering unimaginable pain, they have created a wonderful foundation which provides young people with the opportunities that Stephen never got to have."
You can learn more about Stephen’s Foundation here: https://stephenlawrenceday.org/
