Kick it Out founder Herman Ouseley dies at the age of 79 | Herman Ouseley

Anti-racist campaigner and founder of Kick it Out, Herman Ouseley, has died aged 79 after a short illness.

Lord Ouseley, who chaired Kick it Out for 25 years, was committed to combating racism and discrimination in football.

He was appointed to the House of Lords in 2001, where he served as an independent peer.

Kick it Out confirmed Ouseley’s death in a statement, describing the campaigner as a “titan” in tackling discrimination in football.

“Lord Ouseley’s vision to create Kick It Out was the first real structural change in football, tackling an issue that has devastated football for decades,” the report said. “Fans and participants are now more aware of discrimination and how to combat it, which is a legacy of the tenacity and strength he showed to ensure football continued to change.

“We owe him a debt of gratitude and pledge to continue that legacy for the benefit of future generations.”

Ouseley was also chairman and CEO of the Commission for Racial Equality and CEO of the London Borough of Lambeth from 1993 to 2000.

He migrated to Britain from Guyana with his family in 1957. He studied at Catford College in Lewisham and obtained a degree in municipal management.

Ouseley was knighted in 1997 for his services to local government and community relations in Britain. He has received thirteen honorary doctorates from universities in the United Kingdom in recognition of his contribution to education, anti-racism and local government developments.

Former footballer and anti-racism activist Troy Townsend paid tribute to Ouseley on X, writing: “I owe you a debt of gratitude for everything you have done for me, for football and society. May your pain be no more.”

Anti-racism charity Race Council Cymru said: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of a remarkable man, Lord Herman Ouseley, and we join a whole range of members of the community in mourning his passing. He was truly a great black leader who has been hailed as “a giant of a man in the field of racial equality.”

“He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends. We are grateful to have been able to honor him here in Wales with an Icon Award in 2018. Rest in peace and strength, Lord Herman Ouseley.’