In 1966 Asquith Xavier fought to become the first black person employed as a train guard at London Euston station.

His fight for equality overturned an unofficial ‘colour-bar’ which had prevented people of colour from being employed in any roles at the station which would bring them into contact with the public.

His campaign against discrimination led to the establishment of the Commission for Racial Equality and changes to the Race Relations Act in 1968 which made it illegal to refuse housing, employment or public services to people based on their race.