В Лондоне открыли мемориальную доску в честь африканского железнодорожника, положившего конец расовой дискриминации на вокзале Юстон

ENGLISH HERITAGE has installed a blue plaque at the former Notting Hill home of Asquith Xavier (1920–1980), the railway worker whose determination to challenge racial discrimination helped bring an end to a ‘colour bar’ – a system of unofficial racial segregation and discrimination – at London’s Euston Station. The plaque marks 149 Ledbury Road, where Xavier lived in 1966 when he stood up against discriminatory practices that had prevented him from transferring to a better-paid role as a train guard at Euston. English Heritage Senior Historian, Howard Spencer, said: “Asquith Xavier’s story is a powerful reminder that ordinary people can have an extraordinary impact. “He was not seeking to become a campaigner or public figure. His fight began with a simple desire for a fair opportunity to support his family, but it became a landmark moment in Britain’s struggle against workplace discrimination. “We hope that this plaque will help to ensure that his remarkable contribution is remembered.” Born in Dominica in 1920, Xavier arrived in Britain in 1958 and began working for British Railways at Marylebone Station the day after he arrived. He quickly progressed from porter and carriage cleaner to train guard, but in 1966 his application to transfer to Euston Station was rejected because local staff representatives refused to accept the transfer of ‘coloured staff’, and this was made explicit in a memo sent to him. Rather than accept the decision, Xavier challenged the ruling. Supported by his union representative Jim Prendergast, and with the case receiving national attention, his campaign exposed the existence of an unofficial colour bar operating on London’s railways. The plaque at Ledbury Road will mark the home where Xavier lived while he took his stand against discrimination. During the summer of 1966, he was interviewed by newspapers outside the house as his case became a national story, telling reporters that he was not seeking publicity but simply wanted the opportunity to progress in his career and support his family. On July 15, 1966, British Rail announced that the colour bar at Euston and St Pancras would end, and Xavier was given the position he had applied for. On August 15, 1966, he became the first Black railway guard to work out of Euston Station. Today, Xavier is recognised as a pioneering figure in the history of race equality in Britain. His story has been commemorated at Euston and Chatham stations, and a train has been named in his honour. DJ Mark Ross explains what Notting Hill Carnival means to him