Herman Owsley, anti-racist campaigner and founder of Kick It Out, has died at the age of 79 after a short illness.
Lord Owsley, who was chairman of Kick It Out for 25 years, was instrumental in combating racism and discrimination in football.
He was appointed to the House of Lords in 2001, where he sat as an independent peer.
Kick It Out confirmed Mr Owsley's death in a statement, describing the campaigner as a “giant” fighting against discrimination in football.
“Lord Owsley's vision to establish Kick It Out was the first real structural change in football to tackle the problems that had blighted the game for decades,” the magazine said. “Fans and participants have become more aware of discrimination and how to combat it. This is a legacy of the tenacity and energy he showed to continue change in football.
“We owe him a great debt of gratitude and are committed to continuing his legacy for future generations.”
Mr Owsley was also Chairman and Chief Executive of the Racial Equality Commission from 1993 to 2000 and Chief Executive of the London Borough of Lambeth.
He immigrated to the UK from Guyana with his family in 1957. He studied at Catford College in Lewisham, gaining a degree in Municipal Management.
Mr Owsley was knighted in 1997 for his services to local government and community relations in England. He has been awarded 13 honorary degrees from universities across the UK in recognition of his contribution to education, anti-racism and local government development.
Troy Townsend, a former football player and anti-racist campaigner, paid tribute to Owsley in X, writing: May your pain be no more. ”
Anti-racism group Race Council Simle said: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of an outstanding man, Sir Herman Owsley, and we join many local residents in mourning his passing. He was hailed as a 'giant in the field of racial equality'. He was a truly great black leader.
“He will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to his family and friends. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to present him with the ICON Award here in Wales in 2018. Herman Owsley Rest in peace, sir, and sleep strong.”
