Lord Herman George Ouseley (1945–2024) was a pioneer of justice, equity, and inclusion whose vision helped reshape modern Britain. From his groundbreaking leadership of the Commission for Racial Equality to founding Kick It Out, he devoted his life to challenging discrimination and creating a fairer society. As the first Black chief executive in local government and later a powerful voice in the House of Lords, Lord Ouseley’s influence reached every level of public life. In 1999, he helped make Black History Month a truly national event through the first coordinated campaign — a milestone that continues to inspire generations.
But beyond the institutions, policies, and public platforms, Herman’s truest legacy lies in the lives he touched. He was a mentor, confidant, and champion for countless individuals across sport, civil service, policing, politics, education, and community life. He gave time when he had none, offered clarity when others faltered, and always amplified the voices of those too often unheard.
This collection of tributes, gathered from those who worked with him, learned from him, and were lifted by him, offers a portrait not just of a public leader, but of a profoundly humane man whose integrity, humility, and courage inspired generations.
Professor Geoff Thompson MBE, FRSA, DL
Chair of the Youth Charter, Chair of the Professional Footballers’ Association Operational Board, Chair of the London Youth Games, Advisory Board Member of the Muhammad Ali Center
Standing Firm in Power and Pride
In a world still grappling with inequality and injustice, the life of Lord Herman Ouseley stands as a towering testament to the enduring strength of conviction, dignity, and purpose. With unwavering resolve, he stood firm—powered by principle, and proud of his heritage, community, and cause. His life was a shining example of what it means to transform struggle into strength, and adversity into action.
Born into a world of racial and social challenges, Lord Ouseley dedicated his life to dismantling the barriers of discrimination that held back generations. Yet he did so not with anger, but with quiet force, tireless advocacy, and moral clarity. From the streets of Peckham Rye to the corridors of Parliament, his voice was consistent and clear: representation, justice, and equity for all.
A lifelong lover of sport—and football in particular—Lord Ouseley understood the game not just as a pastime, but as a platform. As the founding chair of Kick It Out, he led one of the most significant anti-racism initiatives in football history. His leadership helped forge a new consciousness within British sport, turning conversations into policies, and policies into cultural change. Football would never be the same again—because of him, it became more inclusive, more aware, more just.
As Chair of the Commission for Racial Equality and Vice President of the Youth Charter, Lord Ouseley’s work was rooted in purpose and delivered with poise. Whether guiding institutions or mentoring individuals, he created space for those historically excluded—amplifying their voices and championing their rights. His belief was simple but profound: diversity is not a threat but a strength; inclusion is not charity but justice.
With humility that belied his achievements, Lord Ouseley made people feel seen, heard, and valued. His pride was not arrogance—it was the pride of a man who knew where he came from, who carried his ancestry and community into every room he entered, and who left it better than he found it.
In marking his passing, we do not simply mourn—we rise in his legacy. For Lord Herman Ouseley was not just a campaigner or peer. He was a standard-bearer of justice, a steward of conscience, and a symbol of what it means to stand firm in power and pride.
Donna Fraser OBE
Four-time Olympian, Director of People, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Professional Cricketers’ Association
Mentorship and Confidence
Lord Herman Ouseley was hugely instrumental in my career development; a voice of reason, a voice of strategic thinking, a voice of care and support.
When I was Chair of the BAME Network at EDF Energy, my Deputy Chair and I delivered a number of momentous events; the first being An Evening with… hosted by the French Embassy in London. Of course, Lord Ouseley was our first choice, and without fail, he wowed the audience with his storytelling.
Later, when I returned to my sporting roots at UK Athletics, Lord Ouseley once again lent his voice as keynote speaker at the ‘COACH’ exhibition hosted by Grant Thornton. His words hit the hearts and minds of the attendees, his tone captivating those who may have felt uncomfortable with the realities of racism in sport.
I will forever be grateful for the support he gave me as I embarked on my career in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. I would often meet Lord Ouseley at the Houses of Parliament, where he would host me for conversations filled with wisdom and encouragement. They were the kind of conversations you have with elders—rooted in respect and guidance. His experiences in this space became my reality, and his tone of voice was magical.
Every meeting left me with a spring in my step, full of confidence that no matter what challenges came my way, I would have the courage to navigate them. He was a great man with a wonderful heart, and I will always cherish the moments and support he gave me through my journey.
Paul Haughton MBE
Civil Servant, Inaugural Chair of RESPECT Minority Ethnic Staff Network
Guidance and Support in the Civil Service
I first heard Herman Ouseley’s name around 1997, when I was considering whether to file a grievance after five years of being overlooked for promotion despite working above my grade. The Commission for Racial Equality (CRE), with Herman as Chair, was one of the few places you could turn for advice.
After presenting my case to a CRE staff member, I was astonished to receive a follow-up call from Herman himself. He outlined my options, and based on his recommendations, I filed a grievance. Two years later, my department settled my Employment Tribunal case out of court. But that was just the beginning of his support.
In 2001, when I helped establish the RESPECT minority ethnic staff network in my department, Herman agreed without hesitation to chair its External Advice Committee. Under his leadership, RESPECT became one of the most influential minority ethnic staff networks in the Civil Service.
For me personally, his greatest gift was his time. During my seven years as Chair, I called him countless times for advice. Not once did he say he was too busy. He always gave me his full attention, as I know he did for so many others.
I will be forever grateful and never forget the support and guidance he provided.
Dr Leroy Logan MBE
Founder Member, Black Police Association
Championing Justice and Courage
I first met Herman Ouseley in the early 1990s while we were forming the Black Police Association (BPA). As Chair of the Commission for Racial Equality, Herman not only advised us personally but also delegated his senior team to support us. Without that input, the BPA would not have been established in the way it was, nor survived to influence policing nationally for three decades.
Our first Chair, Ron Hope, personally thanked Herman for putting his neck on the line to help us make changes for the Black community, at a time when we were unrepresented inside policing and over-policed as members of the public. His support gave us the courage to speak out.
This courage carried through to key moments: the Race for Justice Conference in 1994 and the Macpherson Inquiry in 1998, when members of the BPA—including myself—declared publicly that the police was institutionally racist.
Even after leaving the CRE, Herman continued to offer advice and mentorship. I absorbed his wisdom like a sponge, and it gave me strength to withstand 30 years in policing, leaving with my head held high and joy in my heart.
That’s how I saw Herman: a man of infectious optimism and steely determination, who made the impossible possible.
Professor Patrick Vernon OBE
Pro-Chancellor, University of Wolverhampton; Social Commentator and Co-Author of 100 Great Black Britons
Mentor, Confidant, and Friend
Lord Herman Ouseley was more than a public figure; to me, he was a mentor, confidant, and friend.
We first connected during my time as Director of the Brent Health Action Zone, where his leadership talks inspired and guided local change. Over the years, we would often meet for tea at the House of Lords. He never dictated solutions, but invited reflection and empowered others to lead with integrity.
When the Windrush scandal erupted, he was deeply troubled. He advocated passionately for truth, transparency, and justice—not only to respond to the harm done, but to prevent future injustice.
I was proud to include him in my book, 100 Great Black Britons. His service—as the first Black chief executive in local government, Chair of the Commission for Racial Equality, and founder of Kick It Out—was trailblazing. Yet it was his humility and consistent elevation of others that left the deepest mark.
When he retired from public life, I made sure to give him his flowers while he was still with us. I was privileged to present a tribute to him on the Guyanese Speaker platform—a public expression of the deep gratitude and admiration shared by many.
He embodied the theme of Standing Firm in Power and Pride: he stood firm against injustice, carried himself with dignity, and never faltered in his pursuit of justice. I miss our tea chats, but more than that, I miss his steady presence in turbulent times. His legacy endures in the hearts of all he inspired.
Rob Neil OBE
Community Leader, Reach Society Patron
Still Kicking it Out
I first met Herman in the late 1980s at a community conference in Lambeth. He was among the people, listening intently, before stepping onto the stage as Chief Executive of Lambeth Council. He was a champion of the people, a principled leader who amplified community voice.
Born in Guyana in 1945, Herman came to London as a boy of 11. Rising through local government, he became the first principal race relations adviser, then Chief Executive of Lambeth Council, and later the first Black leader of the Inner London Education Authority. In the 1990s, as Chair of the Commission for Racial Equality, he spearheaded Kick It Out, transforming football’s fight against racism.
In 2001, he accepted a peerage, taking his passion and clarity of thought into the House of Lords. Yet he never lost touch with the grassroots. In 2010, he became the first Patron of the Reach Society, often attending our events to listen and share wisdom with young people.
His rise from modest beginnings to the House of Lords is a testament not only to his intellect and perseverance, but to his profound sense of duty. His life’s work embodies courage, compassion, and conviction.
Lord Ouseley remains a beacon of justice—a reminder that progressive change is possible when led with vision and heart. We really can kick it out!
Across these tributes, a portrait emerges of Lord Herman Ouseley not only as a public leader but as a mentor, guide, and source of courage. He championed fairness in workplaces, reformed institutions, empowered young people, transformed British sport, and spoke truth to power in policing and politics.
Yet what unites every voice here is the same refrain: his humility, his time, his wisdom, and his care. He gave confidence to those stepping into new careers. He listened when others felt ignored. He stood firm when justice demanded it, and he inspired others to do the same.
As Britain reflects on his passing during Black History Month, we honour not only what he achieved, but how he achieved it—with dignity, pride, and unwavering principle. His example lives on in those he mentored, those he inspired, and those who continue his work.
Lord Herman Ouseley stood firm in power and pride. May we do the same.