Inspired by childhood memories and family stories, this pioneering, Black-led research project explores the cultural impact of African American US Air Force (USAF) personnel based in East Anglia from the 1950s to the early 1990s.
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Thanks to funding from Arts Council England the Essex Cultural Diversity Project, pro bono support and partnerships, we’ll engage with local communities and research archives throughout 2025. Then, we'll add stories to this website as they're gathered. So please come back.
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This project is about people and what unites us. It focuses on our shared and exchanged culture, not on the military activities. The East of England has a diverse history - we want to share it.
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The first oral history, stunning professional portraits by John Ferguson and feature article by Tamika Green are already available - check out Geno Washington's story here. One of his portraits is on this page.
Black USAF offers a safe storytelling space for the melanated Global Majority community and our allies. Bullying, racism, mistruths and the appropriation of Black culture is not welcome or tolerated.
Geno Washington is a former USAF airman based at RAF Bentwaters in the early 1960s. His performing career started in pubs in Ipswich - he went on to achieve icon status in the UK, attracting a bigger audiences than Jimi Hendrix. Find out more here. Portrait by John Ferguson.