It is 30 years since Stephen Lawrence was murdered in an unprovoked racist attack in south-east London.

National Stephen Lawrence Day is recognised officially in the British calendar every 22 April, commemorating the anniversary of Stephen’s death. The day is an opportunity to celebrate Stephen’s life, to educate young people about the significance of his legacy and highlight the ongoing work of the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation - the charity founded by Stephen’s mother Baroness Doreen Lawrence.

The 30th anniversary marks a significant milestone in the work of the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation as it launches the national ‘Ordinary Extraordinary’ campaign.

Through sharing Stephen’s story and his life, the campaign aims to celebrate the 'extraordinary things' that can be achieved by ordinary people, inspiring young people to realise their potential.

The campaign starts with the #StephenLawrenceDayPledge, a social movement that will encourage individuals, schools, communities, and organisations to take one tangible action that will positively impact the lives of young people from marginalised backgrounds.

This year’s 30th anniversary will be marked by a series of events that will take place throughout 2023 including a music concert - for which more details will be announced at a later date.

On the anniversary itself there will be a private memorial service in London, held in honour of Stephen’s life and reflecting on the impact of his tragic death, attended by Stephen’s family and other invited guests who have been active in supporting the work of the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation.

As part of the ongoing commitment to honouring Stephen’s legacy, this year The Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation will also be announcing a series of scholarships, research initiatives and flagship pilot careers schemes, all aimed at forging new pathways for marginalised young people to realise their potential.

Baroness Doreen Lawrence of Clarendon OBE, founder of the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation said: “Thirty years on from his death, Stephen's story remains as important and relevant as ever. I am filled with immense pride to witness all that has been achieved in his name and yet must also acknowledge the work still to be done.

"As we pass the baton from one generation to the next, let us remain steadfast in our hope for a brighter future. It is through continuous learning and a genuine commitment to progress that we will ensure Stephen's legacy endures, inspiring change and uniting us in the pursuit of justice and equity for all."

Stephen’s story is both challenging and inspirational. He was a normal young person who made the most of everyday opportunities.

Although his life was short, Stephen provides a positive role model of a life well lived. Stephen was born and grew up in south-east London, where he lived with his parents Neville and Doreen, his brother Stuart and sister Georgina.

Like most young people, he juggled an active social life, school work, family commitments, and part-time employment. But he also had ambitions to use his talent for maths, art, and design to become an architect, and wanted to have a positive impact on his community. Tragically, his dream of becoming an architect was never realised.

On 22 April 1993, at the age of just 18, Stephen was murdered in an unprovoked racist attack. He didn’t know his killers and his killers didn’t know him. After the initial police investigation, five suspects were arrested but not convicted.

A public inquiry into the handling of Stephen’s case was held in 1998, leading to the publication of the Macpherson Report, which has been called ‘one of the most important moments in the modern history of criminal justice in Britain’.

It led to profound cultural changes in attitudes to racism, to the law and to police practice. It also paved the way for a greater understanding of discrimination of all forms and new equalities legislation.