‘Black USAF’ mini exhibition celebrates former American airman and soul star Geno Washington at Cambridge Central Library, until 31 January 2026
- Elma Glasgow
- Dec 5, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
Photo by Isobel Keith.
A new mini exhibition at Cambridge Central Library is showcasing five striking portrait photographs of ‘60s soul music legend and former USAF airman, Geno Washington, taken by leading photographer John Ferguson. The photographs of Washington, who has performed frequently in and around Cambridge, will be on display until 31 January 2026 (USAF is the acronym for United States Air Force.)
The display is the most recent addition to Black USAF: Cultural Connections in Cold War East Anglia.
The photographs celebrate Washington — dubbed 'Britain's greatest soul star' in '60s and based at RAF Bentwaters, Suffolk as a teenage airman — and his enduring connection to the region and its people.
Washington’s energetic live shows and charisma made him a household name during the 1960s, influencing generations of British musicians and fans. His career started in East Anglia’s pubs and clubs, illustrating the importance of the region to the country’s diverse cultural landscape.
The project is led by national award-winning engagement consultant and cultural producer, Elma Glasgow, who was inspired by childhood visits to nearby USAF airbases and her mum’s stories of meeting Black soul stars, such as Wilson Pickett, in local pubs and clubs in the 1960s.
Funded by Arts Council England through its National Lottery Project Grant programme, and the Essex Cultural Diversity Project, Black USAF 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.
Ms Glasgow says: “I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to Cambridgeshire Libraries for their invitation to host the stunning portraits. In the ‘60s Geno played in the villages of Ramsey and March, as well as at Trinity College and the Dorothy Ballroom (or 'The Dot'), and from the '80s until recently, The Junction, and The Boatrace.
"The exhibition and Geno’s audio story highlights the powerful cultural exchange between the African American Air Force service people and communities, a connection epitomised by Geno Washington’s story. In the ‘50s and early ‘60s, the Black Americans were able to mingle with locals when there was racial segregation in the military and the USA. Geno’s story represents creative exchange and is a reminder of 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 the new year!”
Check out Washington's audio story here.
For Geno's forthcoming gigs, go to: https://genowashington.blogspot.com
The mini exhibition runs from 6 December until 31 January.
Visitors can find it on the third floor of Cambridge Central Library, Lion Yard, Cambridge, CB2 3QD. Admission is free.
For more information about the project here, and follow @projectblackusaf on Instagram and Facebook for updates.
More stories will be added to this website soon!
Sources of Geno’s past gigs:
British Newspaper Archive
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