Eric Huntley's Legacy Lives On Amidst Ongoing Struggle for Justice and Equality
In a remarkable career spanning over six decades, Eric Huntley left an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals who fought against racism, inequality, and social injustice. As the co-founder of Bogle L'Ouverture publishing house with his wife Jessica, he championed the work of groundbreaking black writers, thinkers, and activists in the UK.
Born in Georgetown, British Guiana (now Guyana), Huntley's early life was marked by hardship and struggle, which only fueled his determination to create positive change. He worked as a postal worker, trained briefly as a Methodist preacher, but ultimately decided to pursue other passions. His arrival in Britain in 1957 was a pivotal moment, as he joined forces with fellow activists Cheddi and Janet Jagan, and Forbes Burnham to form the People's Progressive party.
Huntley's involvement in the radical publishing house Bogle L'Ouverture began in 1968, when he and Jessica published the speeches of Guyanese activist Walter Rodney. The press went on to release an array of influential titles, including works by Linton Kwesi Johnson, Valerie Bloom, and Lemn Sissay. As the bookshop expanded, it became a hub for black intellectuals, creatives, and activists, providing a platform for marginalized voices.
One of Huntley's most notable contributions was his tireless advocacy for racial justice campaigns in the UK. He was instrumental in the formation of the Caribbean Education and Community Workers Association and the Black Parents Movement, which aimed to combat racism and inequality in schools and communities. His work also led to the establishment of the International Book Fair of Radical and Third World Books, a platform that united thinkers and activists across continents.
Huntley's activism extended beyond publishing and education to include direct action against systemic injustice. He was a key figure in the Black People's Day of Action in 1981, which protested the police response to the New Cross fire, an event that claimed the lives of 13 young black people. His unwavering commitment to justice and equality inspired countless individuals to take up the cause.
As Eric Huntley approaches his 10th decade, he remains steadfast in his advocacy for community causes. In a poignant statement, he observed that "the struggle never ends: there is always something to fight for." His legacy serves as a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring importance of promoting social justice and equality.
In his final years, Huntley continued to nurture his passion for activism, even after the loss of his wife Jessica in 2013. He went on to create a community garden in her honor, ensuring that her memory would continue to inspire future generations. His family, including sons Chauncey and Accabre, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchild, are testament to the enduring impact of his life's work.
As we reflect on Eric Huntley's remarkable life, it is clear that his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the causes he championed, and the struggles he fought against. His unwavering commitment to justice and equality serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of collective action and the ongoing need for social change.
In a remarkable career spanning over six decades, Eric Huntley left an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals who fought against racism, inequality, and social injustice. As the co-founder of Bogle L'Ouverture publishing house with his wife Jessica, he championed the work of groundbreaking black writers, thinkers, and activists in the UK.
Born in Georgetown, British Guiana (now Guyana), Huntley's early life was marked by hardship and struggle, which only fueled his determination to create positive change. He worked as a postal worker, trained briefly as a Methodist preacher, but ultimately decided to pursue other passions. His arrival in Britain in 1957 was a pivotal moment, as he joined forces with fellow activists Cheddi and Janet Jagan, and Forbes Burnham to form the People's Progressive party.
Huntley's involvement in the radical publishing house Bogle L'Ouverture began in 1968, when he and Jessica published the speeches of Guyanese activist Walter Rodney. The press went on to release an array of influential titles, including works by Linton Kwesi Johnson, Valerie Bloom, and Lemn Sissay. As the bookshop expanded, it became a hub for black intellectuals, creatives, and activists, providing a platform for marginalized voices.
One of Huntley's most notable contributions was his tireless advocacy for racial justice campaigns in the UK. He was instrumental in the formation of the Caribbean Education and Community Workers Association and the Black Parents Movement, which aimed to combat racism and inequality in schools and communities. His work also led to the establishment of the International Book Fair of Radical and Third World Books, a platform that united thinkers and activists across continents.
Huntley's activism extended beyond publishing and education to include direct action against systemic injustice. He was a key figure in the Black People's Day of Action in 1981, which protested the police response to the New Cross fire, an event that claimed the lives of 13 young black people. His unwavering commitment to justice and equality inspired countless individuals to take up the cause.
As Eric Huntley approaches his 10th decade, he remains steadfast in his advocacy for community causes. In a poignant statement, he observed that "the struggle never ends: there is always something to fight for." His legacy serves as a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring importance of promoting social justice and equality.
In his final years, Huntley continued to nurture his passion for activism, even after the loss of his wife Jessica in 2013. He went on to create a community garden in her honor, ensuring that her memory would continue to inspire future generations. His family, including sons Chauncey and Accabre, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchild, are testament to the enduring impact of his life's work.
As we reflect on Eric Huntley's remarkable life, it is clear that his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the causes he championed, and the struggles he fought against. His unwavering commitment to justice and equality serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of collective action and the ongoing need for social change.
his legacy lives on thru the bogle l'ouverture publishing house which still promotes radical thinkers & activists in the uk today 
he was instrumental in combing racism & inequality in schools & communities & created a platform for marginalized voices to be heard 
his activism inspired so many ppl 2 take up the cause & fight 4 social justice & equality 
i think its amazing that his community garden in his wife's honor is still going strong 
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... I mean, think about it, 1981 was like 44 years ago 
, but the struggle never ends, right? It's crazy to me that we're still having these conversations about racism and inequality in schools 
... it would be nice if we could learn from his example and actually make some progress. You know what they say, "the power of the people" 
, been fighting racism and inequality since 1957! I mean, 68 years of putting in work for those rights... that's some serious dedication, fam! And he was all about uplifting black voices and creatives through Bogle L'Ouverture publishing house – talk about a legacy! His community garden thingy is also super cool 
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I'm so glad Eric Huntley's legacy is still making waves today! He was truly a pioneer in fighting for racial justice and equality, and his impact on the publishing world can't be overstated 
. Plus, I'm not convinced about all these "tireless advocacy" claims - sounds like a classic PR spin to me 
. But hey, if it makes people feel good to celebrate Eric Huntley's life and work, that's cool, I guess 
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. I mean, can you imagine creating a publishing house that brought marginalized voices to the forefront? 
. He was definitely a trailblazer in every sense of the word. I love how his family continues to carry on his work, especially with that community garden he created in honor of his wife Jessica 
. It just goes to show that even after all these years, there's still so much to fight for 
.