Showcase Series

Reclaiming Narratives: Asquith Xavier’s Campaign for Racial Equality

This October, Coyle Personnel are celebrating Black History Month and this year’s theme of ‘Reclaiming Narratives’. As an organisation, we work hard to ensure all our staff are heard, no matter their background or ethnicity, and we take great pride in the diversity and inclusivity of our workforce.

This is a privilege that many of us today take for granted but there are countless examples of occasions where black voices were, or are still, simply not heard. Asquith Xavier, a pioneering train guard who strived for equality within the rail industry, is one of many individuals whose story has been omitted from history despite its great significance and impact on racial equality.

We want to share the story of Asquith Xavier to highlight the positive change that black individuals have had on the UK rail industry. Today’s society is a multi-cultural one and shaping the future generations understanding of black history should be a priority for every single one of us. It’s the reason why Coyle Personnel feel so passionately about shaping the discourse around social equity, justice, and representation.

 

The Windrush Generation’s Rebuilding of Britain

Like many of the Windrush Generation, Asquith Camile Xavier migrated to England from the Caribbean during the late 1950s. Born on the British colonial island of Dominica, Asquith answered the call to come to Britain and help to rebuild the economy post-WWII. He settled in Paddington, West London, and would shortly afterwards gain employment with British Rail as a porter before becoming a guard at Marylebone depot.

The Windrush Generation helped to make Britain what it is today, working in a range of sectors from construction and public transport to the NHS and manufacturing. Most faced discrimination due to the colour of their skin and were treated unfairly by their employers. Despite this, they would continue to work hard in their efforts to help rebuild Britain and as of today, around 20% of TfL workers are still from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.

 

Campaigning against Racial Discrimination

When the freight link at Marylebone depot was closed in 1966, Asquith took the decision to apply for a transfer to London Euston station. He was denied the job due to an unofficial “colour bar” which operated at the station and prevented black people from working in customer-facing roles. Such “colour bar” rulings were in place across the United Kingdom and restricted black people’s access to social spaces, working opportunities, and other commercial premises. There were no British laws requiring racial segregation, but until 1965, there were also no laws prohibiting racial segregation either.

Asquith was, expectantly, dissatisfied with the decision and began campaigning to end the racial discrimination practiced by British Rail. While the first Race Relations Act, which made it illegal to discriminate on the grounds of colour, race, ethnicity, or national origins in public places, had been passed in 1965, the railways were bewilderedly not considered public. Asquith’s story of discrimination gained traction and with the support of Jimmy Pendergast (NUR Branch Secretary) and Barbra Castle (Secretary of State for Transport), he was successful in his campaigning and became the first non-white guard to be employed at the station.

His strength and determination to refuse any form of discrimination saw him not only secure the position, but his pay was backdated to when he had first applied for the position. His battle for justice also led to changed to the 1968 Race Relations Act which made it illegal to refuse housing, employment, or public services, to people because of their ethnic background.

 

Facing Racial Injustice in the Workplace

Despite Asquith’s efforts to gain equal opportunities for the non-white community in the workplace, racism did not end back in the 60s and racial injustice is still present to this day in the workplace.

Network Rail’s Ethnicity Pay Report, reports that, in 2022, a gap of 6.4% existed in the earnings of black, Asian, and minority ethnic group employees, versus their white counterparts. Discrimination also still exists in recruitment and hiring practices, with black candidates facing barriers to entry or promotion. ASLEF, Britain’s trade union for train drivers, reported in February 2021 that fewer than 9% of train drivers identified as being from an ethnic minority.

The compound impact of multiple racial inequalities is problematic and can lower the aspirations of minority employees who may see progress as unattainable. Black and mixed-race people are still under-represented in many industries and their achievements have been largely omitted from the national curriculum. The reclaiming of narratives, such as the story of Asquith Xavier, are pivotal in helping to address the issues of prejudice and bias that still exist in our society.

 

Why the Importance of ‘Reclaiming Narratives’

Coyle Personnel are passionate about challenging the narratives that have often overlooked the contributions and achievements of black individuals in the UK. By sharing the story of Asquith Xavier, we hope to have shined a light on just one example of the profound impact that black individuals have had upon not only the rail industry, but also society.

We hope that you can join us this Black History Month in embracing, educating, and empowering one another to do more to learn about the full complexity of black heritage. To learn more about this year’s theme and read the thought-provoking articles and stories that demonstrate its importance, visit the Black History Month website.