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Stories

Based on current knowledge, for the first time, histories have been recorded about the impact of African American culture in East Anglia during the Cold War.

 

The US Air Force (USAF) had numerous bases in the region between the late 1940s-1990s. While Americans from diverse backgrounds lived here, Black USAF focuses on undocumented history of how Black American personnel shared their culture with Black Caribbean, South Asian and white British people. This community broke down racial barriers, creating unique experiences which still resonate today. 

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Content Warning

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Some of the language used in these recordings reflects the time people are talking about. You may hear words or phrases that are now considered outdated, offensive or uncomfortable. We have kept this language in both the audio and transcripts to make sure the historical record remains accurate and true to each person’s lived experience.

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An older black man sings into a microphone. He wears a black hat and top with a blue jacket.

Geno Washington (Ipswich & Bentwaters, Suffolk)

A young black man wears a colourful kaftan. He's got a short afro.

Charles Challenger (Ipswich, Suffolk)

A young white bot stnds in front of a military jet on tarmac (an airfield).

Tom Collis (Mildenhall & Ipswich, Suffolk)

A black man stands next to a Sikh man. They're fist bumping.

Del Singh (Peterborough, Cambridgeshire)

A young black mixed heritage man smiles into the camera. He's wearing a red top with a black collar.

Ted Marriot (Tostock, Suffolk)

A black mixed heritage man is lying on a red leather sofa, smilingand looking off to the left. He's smiling and wearing a black shirt and trousers, and a white t-shirt.

Nate James (Newmarket & Woodbridge, Suffolk)

A black man and woman stand together, smiling. The man is wearing bishop clothing, the woman is wearing white top and hat.

Bishop Lynwal and Lady Orlene Williams (Cambridge)

4 young men in red and white American football gear, with a Black man standing next t them wearing a baseball cap, red sweater and jeans.

Glen Chisholm (Ipswich, Suffolk)

Black and white photo o a young white man wearing a stipey shirt and sunglasses.

Eddie Huggins (Norwich, Norfolk & Southwold, Suffolk)

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