Moving from reflection and rhetoric to taking meaningful action but never losing hope – that was one of the key messages to emerge when members of the Watford and wider Hertfordshire community came together to honour the memory of Stephen Lawrence.

The 18-year-old’s dream of becoming an architect was never realised when he was murdered in an unprovoked racist attack on April 22, 1993.

Thirty years on from the tragedy, Watford-based charity One Vision hosted a programme of remembrance at Watford Grammar School for Boys yesterday where dignitaries and leading members of the police, fire service and NHS spoke alongside religious figures and voluntary agencies in standing together in the fight against racism.

Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Robert Voss was one of the closing speakers. He spoke movingly about how he was the son of two refugees and a large number of his family had been murdered for who they were – like Stephen had been.

Mr Voss discussed three words that had been prevalent throughout the two-hour event: hate, diversity and hope.

He spoke about how hate had been responsible for millions and millions of deaths for centuries and continues to be to this day, citing Sudan as an example.

Watford Observer: One Vision founder Enoch Kanagaraj speaking inside Vicarage Road.One Vision founder Enoch Kanagaraj speaking inside Vicarage Road. (Image: Anthony Matthews)

He believes Hertfordshire is the most diverse county in the UK and “that is our strength”, highlighting Watford as a town where very diverse communities live together.

Mr Voss also discussed the symbolism of holding the event in a school because of the importance of having hope in young people and the future.

Leader of Herts County Council Richard Roberts described the event as a collection of the “most passionate and committed speeches” he had heard in his time as a politician, observing the most passion had come from pastors and the church and that passion had to be channelled into meaningful action.

Watford Observer: A host of dignitaries and community leaders attended the event in honour of Stephen Lawrence.A host of dignitaries and community leaders attended the event in honour of Stephen Lawrence.

The afternoon had begun at Watford Football Club where a two minute’s silence was held in memory of Stephen before One Vision founder Enoch Kanagaraj spoke about the importance of the community standing together in the fight against racism, while Watford’s EDI lead Dave Messenger explained how tackling racism and discrimination was at the “fundamental core of what we do as a club”.

After gathering for a group photo by the statue of Graham Taylor who did so much to make the football club a central part of the community, a Peace Walk began to the grammar school.

Speaking about the importance of the event previously, Mr Kanagaraj said: “Stephen Lawrence Day gives us a chance to think about how racism impacts on many aspects of society, and what we can do to overcome it.

“The mosaic created also allows us to recognise and celebrate the amazing contributions of our community connectors and other Hertfordshire statutory bodies and HPFT NHS Foundation Trust connected with One Vision from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.”

Watford Observer: Chief Constable Charlie Hall speaking at the event.Chief Constable Charlie Hall speaking at the event.

Hertfordshire Chief Constable Charlie Hall was among the speakers. He said: “Marking the tragic death of Stephen Lawrence each year continues to be of the upmost importance.

“On this, the 30th anniversary, it is particularly important to pause, reflect and recognise the challenges that we still face and that we must continue to address. Policing has been reminded recently of the progress we still need to make.

“The constabulary is committed to promoting race and inclusion both within the force and in the communities it serves. We are striving to deliver the National Race Action Plan and as part of our work, we have created a new ‘Race and Inclusion Board’ made up of volunteers from our Black communities in Hertfordshire to help and advise us.”

Karen Taylor, Chief Executive of Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It is incredibly important that we take the time to pause and remember on the anniversary of Stephen Lawrence’s tragic death. Racism exists and must be eliminated - by us all.

“Inequalities across society impacts mental health and wellbeing and can prevent people being able to access care and support. HPFT is committed to changing this; and we are proud to partner with One Vision to support people from Black and Asian ethnic communities to access the early help and support they need, when they need it.”