Nearly 6 decades ago, the railway worker applied for a promotion that would see him move from Marylebone to Euston Station in 1966. But, astonishingly, at the time there was an informal ban on Black workers holding railway jobs that would see them come into contact with the public, and he was turned down. However, determined Windrush generation worker refused to take No for an answer. He eventually overturned a racist recruitment policy at Euston station, paving the way for equal opportunities in the workplace not only for other Windrush generation members, but for Black Britons of the future. His refusal to accept discrimination made history
A poem by Alyson Malach: 30.3.2024
Six decades past, in ’66’s embrace,
A railway worker sought his place.
From Marylebone to Euston’s gate,
He aimed to rise, to elevate.
Yet, barriers loomed, unseen but clear,
A ban on Black man, a silent fear.
Denied his dream, he faced the blow,
But in his heart, a fire did glow.
Refusing silence, refusing no,
He challenged norms, he let it show.
With courage bold, he took a stand,
To break the chains of Bias’ hand.
Through his resolve, a policy bent,
A victory won; a message sent.
For Windrush kin and those to come,
He fought the fight, he struck the drum.
In history’s book, his name does gleam,
Asquith Xavier, a radiant beam.
For Black Inclusion Week, we hail his story,
A champion of change, in all its glory.Top of Form