Asquith Xavier: Euston's first Black rail guard gets blue plaque

Asquith Xavier was the first Black rail guard at Euston Station in 1966 after successfully challenging an unofficial policy banning 'non-white' people from higher-paid jobs. Despite initial refusal due to his race, he campaigned through trade union support, exposing a 'color bar' on London’s railways. British Rail later ended this discrimination, granting him the position. His story highlights how personal ambition led to a landmark moment in Britain’s fight against workplace discrimination.