Tributes are flowing across West London for a beloved community pillar and publishing pioneer whose life was defined by courage and cultural activism. Eric Huntley, affectionately known as 'Uncle Eric' to generations of locals, passed away peacefully on January 21 at the remarkable age of 96, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of resilience and representation.
A Life Dedicated to Amplifying Black Voices
Born in Guyana in 1929, Eric Huntley alongside his late wife Jessica established what would become a landmark institution in British publishing history. In 1968, they founded Bogle L'Ouverture Publications Ltd, the United Kingdom's first Black-owned publishing house, creating a vital platform for literature exploring Black history, politics and cultural identity.
The enterprise later evolved into the celebrated Walter Rodney Bookshop, named in honour of the distinguished Guyanese historian and activist Dr Walter Rodney. What began modestly in the Huntleys' South Ealing dining room eventually expanded into a former dress shop near their home, transforming into a vibrant community hub hosting poetry readings, intellectual seminars and cultural gatherings.
Standing Firm Against Racist Attacks
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, when far-right sentiment reached its peak in Britain, the Huntleys' bookshop became a repeated target for racist attacks by National Front supporters. Between 1977 and 1981, the premises suffered numerous assaults, including eleven separate incidents of window-smashing and intimidation designed to silence Black voices.
Rather than retreating, Eric Huntley demonstrated remarkable fortitude. He joined forces with fellow Black bookshop owners to confront the authorities directly, presenting a joint letter to the Home Office that compelled police to provide proper security protection for their businesses. His defiant response to the attacks became legendary: "We will not be terrorised out of existence."
An Enduring Community Legacy
Beyond publishing, the Huntleys became central figures in Ealing's cultural landscape, playing instrumental roles in the borough's Windrush Consortium alongside activists including Molly Hunte and Willis Wilkie. Their mission focused on ensuring Caribbean and African histories received proper recognition within local education and community life.
Ealing Councillor Grace Quansah, director of the Writing Acting & Publishing Project for Youngsters (WAPPY), remembers Huntley as both mentor and father figure. "Uncle Eric stepped into my life not as a replacement, but as a steady, loving presence," she reflected. "He later gave me away in marriage and stood beside me as my literary mentor. He did not simply leave a legacy. He planted it, watered it, and trusted us to carry it forward."
Georgina Jackson-Callen, a 26-year-old WAPPY alumna, described Huntley as "a beloved elder who dedicated his life, rooted in love for the Afro-Caribbean diaspora and grounded in a socialist ethic, to the betterment of our community." She emphasised how the Huntleys' publishing work created "a testament to the power of our voices, the importance of Pan-African history and intellectualism."
Honours and Continuing Influence
In recognition of his immense contributions, Eric Huntley was awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Ealing in 2008, the highest honour the council can bestow. Even in his later years, he remained engaged with community causes, participating in campaigns like the 2019 'Save Ealing Library' initiative.
A young admirer captured the essence of Huntley's character: "Eric had a way of making people feel safe, understood and valued, reminding everyone that small acts of kindness can make a big difference. His spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him and learned from him."
A celebration of Eric Huntley's life and legacy will take place on February 17, with arrangements made for live streaming to accommodate the many whose lives he touched. Donations and messages of remembrance can be shared through his official MuchLoved memorial page, ensuring his pioneering work continues to inspire future generations.
