Students at Grayrigg Church of England Primary School in Cumbria are walking millions of steps to honour John Kent, Britain’s first Black police officer. They hope to raise funds for a gravestone to mark his currently unmarked resting place at Carlisle Crematorium.

The children are collectively walking 41 million steps—about 17,000 miles—to represent the routes taken during the transatlantic slave trade and to highlight Kent’s extraordinary journey. So far, they’ve raised more than £1,000. The students also plan to commission local artist Lela Harris to create a portrait of Kent that will be displayed at Carlisle train station.

John Kent was born in Cumbria in 1805, the son of Thomas Kent, who had been brought to Whitehaven as a slave and later freed. John went on to serve his community with courage and commitment, beginning his police duties in Maryport in 1835 before joining Carlisle Police in 1837.

Kent’s story has long been overlooked, yet his contribution represents an early and powerful chapter in Black British history. His service stands as a reminder of the many untold stories that helped shape law enforcement in the United Kingdom.

Community figures and local leaders have come together to support the project. Labour MP Julie Minns has applied to Historic England for a blue plaque in Carlisle, where Kent spent most of his career. A similar plaque was installed in Maryport in 2019 to mark his beginnings in law enforcement.

Retired officers Raymond Greenhow and Bob Lowther, who helped uncover Kent’s story, described him as a man of bravery and principle. “He should be regarded as one of the early pioneers in the Black community,” Greenhow said. “It’s sad that there’s no plaque or gravestone marking his life, but that can change.”

The National Black Police Association described John Kent as a “symbol of belonging and possibility.” They said his story shows that Black presence and contribution are deeply woveninto Britain’s history.

At a time when diversity and trust in policing are vital topics, Kent’s story reminds the public that representation in service roles is not new—it has a long, meaningful legacy. The children’s efforts highlight how new generations can help restore the visibility of those who came before them.

For the Grayrigg students, this campaign is aboutmore than a gravestone. It’s about ensuring that the story of Britain’s first Black police officer is remembered with dignity. Their project connects local history to global themes of resilience, identity, and justice.

As one community member shared, “Honouring John Kent is not just about remembering the past. It’s about recognising the vital contributions of Black Britons and inspiring future generations to celebrate our nation’s full history.”

The children’s walk, their fundraising, and the growing support from the community are helping to bring Kent’s name out of the shadows. Each step they take is a reminder that history lives on when people choose to remember.

John Kent was the first black police officer in Britain.This plaque was unveiled during Black History Month 2019 by@NBPAUKto commemorate his life.#OurHistoryOurHeroes#BlackHistoryMonthpic.twitter.com/FMFqpwtFkk