Mini exhibition by ‘Black USAF’ celebrates Black music icon, Geno Washington, in Ipswich

A new mini exhibition at Ipswich County Library is showcasing five striking portrait photographs of soul music legend Geno Washington, whose singing career started in Ipswich in the early 1960s. The portraits were 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 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.

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.

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 @projectlbackusaf on Instagram and Facebook.

The exhibition is available during Library opening hours, and when the space is not in use for bookings. If you are able, contact the Library before travelling: 01473 927260 or library.help@suffolk.gov.uk.