Hi Samuel – what does Black History Month mean to Kick It Out?

Samuel Okafor © KIO

This Black History Month has been very poignant for us given that on 2nd October, it was one year since our founder and former chair Lord Ouseley passed away. For those who don’t know about his impact on football since he set up Kick It Out in 1993, and how he made the game a safer place for many communities, it’s worth watching the documentary “Who was Lord Herman Ouseley?”

Lord Ouseley is also remembered at the new ‘Black in the Game’ exhibition at the National Football Museum, which highlights the influence and impact of the black community in football. We’d encourage all fans to visit the exhibition in Manchester, which celebrates black excellence across football, featuring contributions from Sky Sports presenter Chris Kamara, the first black woman to play for England, Kerry Davis, and many more players and pioneers who have shaped the game.

And what does Black History Month mean to you from a personal perspective? 

Black History Month is an opportunity to learn about, celebrate, and recognise the invaluable contributions of the Black community — and the profound impact they have made across every part of society. From sport and business to politics, health and social care, education, the arts, and beyond, the achievements and influence of Black individuals have shaped our shared history and continue to enrich our present and future. 

At the same time, it’s important to remember that this recognition should not be confined to a single month. Black history is an integral part of everyone’s history — something to be honoured, taught, and celebrated all year round through our actions, conversations, and commitment to equality and inclusion

What was your football journey? From ex-pro to chief executive of Kick It Out is impressive.

I’m humbled to lead an organisation doing incredible work in tackling discrimination and making the game we all love more welcoming for all. My journey from playing football to 22 years in the financial services and now to Kick it Out has been an interesting journey. Throughout the journey, I’ve learnt that hard work, a desire to continue to learn each day, and having the right people around you can really support you each step of the way.

What other big projects are Kick It Out planning this season?

We recently launched our new five-year strategy Football United where we want to bring the game closer together to achieve some big goals related to inclusion, representation on and off the pitch and tackling discrimination. We hope to be launching a new campaign in the new year related to some of these goals. We know that online abuse is getting worse, and will continue to highlight our campaign to make women feel more welcome at matches. We will also be bringing greater transparency to the diversity of each club’s workforce, which fans may want to know more about.   

How can supporters’ groups get involved?

We already have a great relationship via Fans for Diversity [a joint FSA and KIO campaign – get in touch if you’d like to hear more] but we’re always keen to hear from fan groups across the pyramid who can help us in our mission to make the game more united in tackling discrimination. We recognise that the vast majority of fans want to make football welcoming for all, and there are many ways we can do this, so we’re looking to establish greater collaboration with fan groups and social media channels for all clubs. If that’s of interest, please get in touch via [email protected]

One of our key goals is that everyone stands up to discrimination, and we’ve seen some good examples of clubs and fans doing so this season, whether it’s individuals challenging and reporting behaviour, or fans coming together to highlight their stance, such as at Hereford FC earlier this season.

In line with the wider political climate, discriminatory abuse has risen this season compared to previous seasons, but fans are calling it out, which is encouraging. We want them to continue to do that by reporting to Kick It Out or their clubs. That will also help us ensure there is accountability from authorities and social media companies when incidents happen. We always appreciate the support from fans and recognise they are the lifeblood of our game.