ANTI Racist Cumbria has paid tribute to Kick it Out! founder Lord Herman Ouseley following his sad passing. 

The organisation,  which aims to make Cumbria the UK’s first actively anti-racist county, paid tribute to Lord Ouseley who died on Thursday, October 3 at the age of 79. 

Lord Ouseley arrived in the UK as a boy by boat from Guyana and grew up in Peckham in south-east London before making his way to the office of executive chairman at the Campaign for Racial Equality in 1993 when the ‘Let’s Kick Racism Out of Football’ campaign, which developed into Kick It Out, was launched.

Speaking after Lord Ouseley's death was announced, Anti Racist Cumbria's CEO Janett Walker highlighted the 'important role' he and Kick it Out! played in challenging racism in sport. 

She said: "We are saddened to hear about the death of Lord Ouseley, the founder of Kick it Out.

The work we are doing as Anti Racist Cumbria to make Cumbria the first anti-racist county in the UK is part of the long history of Black and Brown activists and campaigners who have stood up against racism.

"Lord Ousely and Kick it Out have played an important role in challenging racism in sports which should be commended."

Lord Ouseley's death was announced on Kick it Out!'s official X account, with the anti-discrimination charity hailing him as a 'titan' in tackling prejudice. 

They said: "Lord Ouseley was a titan in tackling discrimination in football over the 25 years he was chair of Kick It Out, having founded Let’s Kick Racism Out of Football in 1993.

"He was also a fearless advocate for under-represented and disadvantaged communities and will be sorely missed

"We owe him a huge debt of gratitude and vow to continue that legacy for the benefit of future generations. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."