But Geno's story was just one of many that unfolded across Suffolk and East Anglia during the Cold War, when thousands of African American servicemen found themselves stationed far from home in the English countryside.
Forgotten voices
For decades, these stories have remained largely untold. Now, a groundbreaking heritage project is working to change that.
Black USAF: Cultural Connections in Cold War East Anglia is the first comprehensive effort to document the experiences of African American US Air Force personnel who served in the region from the 1950s to the 1990s. Led by national award-winning Black heritage producer Elma Glasgow, the project seeks to uncover a forgotten chapter of both British and Black diaspora history.
"Black USAF is inspired by my experiences of mingling with USAF personnel on and off base, and stories told by older family members about club nights with the Americans," Glasgow explains. "There are even stories of relatives bumping into famous Black music artists who would jam in local venues, whilst visiting the nearby airbases. Imagine that in rural East Anglia – it was so exciting. The USAF guys always brought a buzz to a place."
A voice discovered in Ipswich
The project launches with the remarkable story of Geno Washington himself. Based at RAF Bentwaters in the early 1960s, Geno joined the USAF to avoid going to Vietnam. Working as a training instructor, he discovered his musical talent whilst performing in Ipswich's bustling pubs.
What struck him most profoundly was the welcome he received. African American airmen were surprised that they were able to freely socialise with local people, at a time when they saw racist posters on visits to London, and with racial segregation in force in the USA.
This freedom to socialise across racial lines was revelatory for many African American servicemen. The contrast with their experiences back home was stark – whilst they faced segregation and discrimination in the United States, they found acceptance in Suffolk's communities.
Cultural connections across continents
Glasgow reflects on the broader significance: "The lack of racial segregation in the UK in the '50s and '60s inspired the Civil Rights movement in the USA. We're excited about discovering first-hand accounts of the African Americans' cultural impact on communities, and vice versa."
The cultural exchange flowed both ways. African American servicemen brought jazz, soul, and rhythm and blues to local venues, whilst absorbing British musical influences that would shape their own artistic development. Geno Washington's own career exemplifies this fusion – he recalls performing at festivals where he and the Ram Jam Band attracted bigger audiences than Jimi Hendrix. Now in his 80s, he continues to perform with the current iteration of the band.
Racing against time
Yet despite their significant cultural impact, these stories risk being lost forever. "Despite their lasting impact, the community's narratives have largely been undocumented in regional and national history; they are at risk of being entirely forgotten," the project organisers warn.
This is where the new initiative becomes crucial. Funded by £28,383 from Arts Council England's National Lottery Project Grants programme and £1,000 from the Essex Cultural Diversity Project, the year-long project will create a digital archive of personal stories, images, and audio recordings.
"This is the first time these stories are being collected in this way, and it's a vital opportunity to document an overlooked chapter of British and Black diaspora history," Glasgow emphasises.
Building the archive
The project seeks contributions from across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk, and Suffolk, inviting people of all generations to share their memories and experiences. The research is supported by a network of partners, including Anglia Ruskin University, the Association for Suffolk Museums, Imperial War Museum Duxford, Suffolk Libraries, and the University of Suffolk, among others.
For Glasgow, the project carries particular resonance in today's climate. "Especially in times of deep division and the rise in racism," she says, "we're excited about discovering first-hand accounts of the African Americans' cultural impact on communities, and vice versa."
Challenging assumptions
The initiative represents more than historical documentation – it's about challenging preconceptions and celebrating diversity in unexpected places. "Their generous support enables Black USAF to not only celebrate the cultural contributions of the Black diaspora in East Anglia, but challenge assumptions about the region's cultural identity," Glasgow notes.
At its heart, the project tells a story of human connection transcending racial and cultural boundaries. As Glasgow puts it: "At its heart, the project is a reminder of what connects us – how culture, community and everyday encounters have shaped our region."
Four decades of stories
The stories being sought span four decades of Cold War service, from the early days of the 1950s through to the end of the Cold War in the 1990s. Each account adds another piece to the puzzle of how African American servicemen influenced and were influenced by their time in East Anglia.
As the project unfolds over the coming year, it promises to reveal a Suffolk that many may not recognise – one where American soul music echoed through country pubs, where cultural barriers dissolved in shared experiences, and where lasting friendships formed across continents.
For those with stories to share, the project welcomes all contributions, whether personal memories, family photographs, or recorded recollections. Each story helps build a more complete picture of this remarkable period in the region's history.
The legacy of these cultural connections continues to resonate today, from the music that still echoes in Suffolk's venues to the communities that were forever changed by these encounters. Through Black USAF, these stories will finally receive the recognition they deserve.
To share a story, contact the project via www.blackusaf.org or email projectblackusaf@gmail.com.
