‘Black USAF’ exhibition celebrates former American airman and music icon Geno Washington at Ipswich County Library, 21 October – 17 November 2025

A new mini exhibition at Ipswich Central Library is showcasing five striking portrait photographs of soul music legend Geno Washington, taken by Suffolk-based photographer John Ferguson earlier this year. (USAF is the acronym for United States Air Force.)

The display is part of the Black USAF: Cultural Connections in Cold War East Anglia project — a pioneering, Black-led heritage initiative uncovering the hidden cultural stories of African American US Air Force (USAF) personnel stationed in East Anglia from the 1950s to the 1990s.

The photographs celebrate Geno Washington — a former USAF airman based at RAF Bentwaters — and his enduring connection to the region and its people. Washington’s energetic live shows and soulful charisma made him a household name during the 1960s, influencing generations of British musicians and fans. His career started in the pubs and clubs in Ipswich, illustrating the importance of Suffolk and the wider region to the country’s cultural landscape.

Visitors can listen to Geno tell his own story via a QR code (see below).

Inspired by her own childhood experiences and stories from older family members, Black USAF is led by national award-winning engagement consultant and cultural producer, Elma Glasgow. The project also champions the importance of authentic storytelling of Global Majority cultures.

Funded by Arts Council England through its National Lottery Project Grant programme, and the Essex Cultural Diversity Project. The project explores how African American airmen contributed to the cultural fabric of East Anglia, from music and nightlife to community relationships and local identity — stories that have remained largely undocumented until now.

Elma says: “A heartfelt thanks to Suffolk Community Libraries for their Black History Month support, and to Geno Washington and John Ferguson. The exhibition highlights the powerful cultural exchange between the African American Air Force service people and local communities, a connection epitomised by Geno Washington’s story. This creative exchange deserves recognition as a reminder of our shared history and what unites us. 

“I’d also like to thank your funders, other partners, and of course the rest of the Black USAF project team for their hard work so far - we’re excited to share more stories in 2026!”

The mini exhibition runs from 21 October to 17 November 2025 at Ipswich County Library, Northgate Street, Ipswich IP1 3DE. Admission is free. 

For more information, visit www.blackusaf.org or follow @projectblackusaf on Instagram and Facebook.

Link and QR code to Geno’s audio story: 

​www.blackusaf.org/genowashington 

ENDS

Notes to editors

For media enquiries:

Elma Glasgow - hello@elmaglasgowconsulting.com.

Black USAF: Cultural Connections in Cold War East Anglia is funded by Arts Council England through its National Lottery Project Grants and the Essex Cultural Diversity Project.

The project collects stories, images and memories from Black veterans, families and local communities, highlighting the cultural impact of African American USAF personnel in the region. 

Black USAF’s blog includes a glossary of terms, which will develop throughout the project and we welcome feedback.

Photographer John Ferguson is an acclaimed Suffolk-based photojournalist and brand photographer, whose work has appeared in The Guardian, The Times, BBC, and international publications.