A NORTH Wales Police boss has issued a statement on Stephen Lawrence Day - which he says 'stands as a reminder' that 'from great pain and tragedy can come change'.
Stephen Lawrence was an 18-year-old black British teenager who was murdered in a racially motivated attack on the evening of 22 April, 1993.
Today (Friday April 22), marks the annual day of reflection held on the anniversary of Stephen's death.
Stephen Lawrence Day aims ‘to inspire a more equal, inclusive society, and to foster opportunities for marginalised young people in the UK’.
On this important day, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin, has issued a statement.
He says: "Today, as we mark Stephen Lawrence Day and the 29 years since his tragic and shocking killing on April 22, 1993, we remember Stephen’s life, death, legacy and the dignified campaigning work of his family and friends, which have all led to great change for the better right across our country.
"Stephen’s death was a watershed moment in relations between the Police and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities in the UK and the Macpherson Report, which followed in 1999, rightly shone a light on the institutional racism and inequalities that affect many of our fellow citizens.
PIC: Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, Andy Dunbobbin.
“Since then, much work has been done to try and improve policing, engagement and representation of different communities right across the UK.
"But much remains to be done to ensure our institutions of law and order are as representative of today’s country as possible, and this a key priority of mine as Police and Crime Commissioner.
"In North Wales, we have pledged to improve our Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic community’s confidence in the police and to increase representation among our officers and staff.
"April 22 stands as a reminder to us all that from great pain and tragedy can come change that is important for everyone in our community. In policing, as in elsewhere in society, we should remember and build on this legacy in a positive way each and every day as we remember Stephen Lawrence.”
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