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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We're capturing people's stories of how they were influenced culturally by the Black US service people - be that music, dance, fashion, sport...
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Thanks to funding from Arts Council England the Essex Cultural Diversity Project, pro bono support and partnerships, were engaging with local communities and researching archives throughout 2025.
We're adding new stories to this website in the future - so please come back! In the meantime, check out Geno Washington's story which he tells himself. There are also striking portraits by John Ferguson and an article by Tamika Green about the former USAF airman, who was based in Suffolk in the '60s.
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This project is about people and what unites us.
It focuses on our shared culture, not on the military activities. The East of England has a diverse history - we want to share it!
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Geno Washington is a former USAF airman based at RAF Bentwaters in the early 1960s. Portrait by John Ferguson.
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.