Past & Present WAPPY Members Reflect on the Impact of Eric Huntley (1929–2026) by Paying Tribute to His Memory — and to Jessica Huntley (1927–2013)

Uncle Eric’s legacy lives most vividly in the words of those he nurtured.

Following the recent passing of Eric Huntley, WAPPY alumni and participants, children, young people, and adults across generations, have shared poems and reflections honouring his life, his gentleness, his political clarity, and his unwavering belief in them.

For older contributors, these tributes also recall the collaborative impact of Jessica Huntley, whose intellectual, cultural, and political work was inseparable from Eric’s. Together, the Huntleys shaped generations through publishing, activism, education, and love.

Below, we share seven voices from across the WAPPY community.

Tributes from WAPPY Participants & Alumni

Georgiana Jackson-Callen, WAPPY alumna (2008–2020)

“A beloved elder whose life was rooted in Pan-African consciousness and a socialist ethic of care.”

Mr Eric Huntley will forever be treasured 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.

The wealth of Afro-Caribbean literary and cultural output pioneered by the Huntleys’ Bogle L’Ouverture Press stands as a testament to the power of our voices, the importance of Pan-African history and intellectualism, and our collective duty to uplift Haiti as the wellspring of revolution, liberty, and Black self-determination.

Those of us in the WAPPY cohort were blessed to witness Mr Huntley’s gentle, supportive presence and his deep care for his wife Jessica Huntley, an intellectual and political giant in her own right, and a lifelong advocate for women’s rights. United in love, they stood firm against British fascism and anti-Black terror, providing a blueprint for generations to come.

As naked fascism once again rears its head globally, we honour Eric Huntley’s memory by nurturing creativity, caring for the most vulnerable, and standing firm against injustice.

Ivy Oppong, WAPPY alumna (2014–2026)

“A heavenly bookshop, where stories are written in love and open for eternity.”

Grandad Eric has turned the final page of this life, and now steps into the heavenly bookshop where our beloved Grandma Jessica has already begun. Together again, they wander endless shelves of memory and story, building a library far greater than the one they created on earth, written in love, and open for eternity. Rest in peace Granddad Eric ❤

Nyah Walcott-Quansah, Age 15 (2017–2026)

A teenage poet reflects that elders like Uncle Eric are the roots that allow the tree to grow tall, reminding us that our growth is possible only because of the foundations laid before us.

Roots of a Tree, Foil from a Legacy

The pen hits the paper, like the water to the soil, the roots and foundations, set by our elders help us as a foil.

Foils, not the one to wrap our food but to contrast between old and new, young and old, bold, bold, bold, is foil I speak of from the past to be told.

It's from literacy, found in the study of characters in books that I read. It means to me that my creativity stemmed from the steps that they took for me.

So we grow tall, as the great trees, as one community from the roots set by those in prose, those in paper and those found in phones.

I write this as a homage to the Pioneers previous to me, thank you. I won't forget to water the roots of your tree; take inspiration from your legacy.

Thank you, Father Eric Huntley.

Sadé Ettienne, Age 14 (2021 - 2026 )

Poem for Uncle Eric

Uncle Eric, a thoughtful, kind soul.

He wanted to show talent, that was his goal.

Black people often overlooked and shamed,

He said, “This is not right, we ALL need to be named.” So he began a path like no other

Black people can write, let’s not look down on each other. He started a publishing house where voices were recognised,So our stories could stand, legitimised.

Uncle Eric leaves behind a powerful legacy,

His intentions remembered endlessly.

David Larbi, WAPPY alumnus (2009–2014)

David shares a poem from his book Frequently Happy, reflecting on gratitude, care, and responsibility, values Eric Huntley embodied throughout his life.

Steward of Good Things

Why has this joy come to me?I don’t think I can answer…

What if it makes me better? What if I’m more than I think? What if things go to plan?

Hello everybody, my name is David Larbi. I am an author, poet, and alumnus of the wonderful WAPPY programme, the Writing, Acting and Publishing Project for Youngsters, founded and run by my wonderful auntie Grace, Akuba, the incredible performer.

I want to send my greetings and love to everybody, and my deep gratitude to Dr Eric Huntley for everything that has been done and continues to be done, and for inspiring generation after generation.

I would love to share a poem from my book Frequently Happy called “Steward of Good Things. It's about making sure that we let the good things sit with us, that we don’t question them, but embrace them and do our best with them.

Steward of Good Things

Why has this joy come to me?

I don’t think I can answer.

There are many more deserving, taller, stronger, smarter.

Yes, it makes me happy.

Yes, it’s what I want.

And that is what affirms the fear that soon it might be gone.

Lauryn Rose Teixeira, Age 13 (2026)

Eric Huntley will be remembered for the light he brought into the lives of everyone around him. He was someone who always showed up for others, offering kindness, laughter and support when it mattered most. Eric had a way of making people feel safe, understood and valued, reminding everyone that small acts of kindness can make a big difference. And his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him and learned from him. May he rest in peace and may your legacy live forever.

Joylen, Age 10 (2024 -2026)

Hi, I'm Joylen. I am 10 years old and I am the CEO of Fashion in Year 5 and I am so sad to see Uncle Eric Huntley die. I remember when he bought me a book from the 2025 Book Fair, and I was so honoured to meet him. His legacy will still go on and kids like me will also be able to celebrate 50 years of his book shop with him.

An Endless Chapter

The short film Endless Chapter (2021), co-created during the Covid-19 pandemic by WAPPY researchers, Effie Quansah-George and Ivy Oppong, powerfully captures the Huntleys’ legacy through young people’s voices.

Created in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery, Gunnersbury Park Museum, Ealing Local History Centre Archives, and artists Asia Ahmed and Narvir Singh, the project concludes:

“Even though the story may seem like it’s done, there is plenty to come — an endless chapter. The chapter will never end.”

Watch here: https://youtu.be/2o7a8qxJFUc

Forthcoming: THE Only Option (Februay 2026)

The poem THE Only Option, written by Akuba (Grace Quansah) following Uncle Eric’s Nine Night, draws directly from Coldershaw Road, from the drums, the books, the gathered faces, and from Eric Huntley’s lifelong insistence that action, not indifference, is the only response to injustice.

The poem will be unveiled after its first public reading at the Celebration of Eric Huntley’s Life on 17 February 2026.