News Story: Eric Huntley
London-based activist and publisher Eric Huntley has teamed up with leading political campaigners, authors and artists to mark this year’s Black History month. While celebratory, figures at the event spoke out against the government and called for more robust measures to tackle barriers in society.
As a guest of honour at the exhibit titled ‘A Day in the Life of Bogle-L’Ouverture’, Huntley discussed the continuing fight for social justice, drawing upon the danger and opportunities, at this year’s commemoration.
Reflecting on this year’s observance of Black History Month and on societal justice today, Huntley said:
“Some progress has been made, but more work has to be done, [and] individuals, organisations and education needed to be at the forefront of progress.”
West London’s Gunnersbury Park Museum held the event on Sunday that featured an exhibition of the Bogle-L’Ouverture – a publishing house which began as a bookshop by Huntley and his wife, Jessica.
Bogle-L’Ouverture celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The company was founded in 1968 and set up to promote radical Black writing.
It rapidly became a place of significance for Britain’s Black community, but also a target for racial abuse by members of the National Front.
When asked whether the UK Government panders to racism, Huntley said:
“Of course they do. Because the political class are only interested in maintaining power.
“The chattering classes meanwhile, have failed.”
Exhibit curator and academic, Dr Michael McMillian condemned the state of political activism today, stating that it “remains a minority activity”.
McMillian went on to comment on how the UK must look to “decolonise the curriculum”, echoing the sentiments of those that view Black History Month as being too marginal in today’s modern culture.
Black History Month has been observed in the United Kingdom since 1987 and first took shape in London.
However, a wide criticism facing Black History Month is its limitation to one month of the year, and the idea it’s somewhat relegated to the side-lines of the UK’s historical narrative.
Commenting on today’s political landscape, McMillian hinted at hope for the future, saying that during hard times - ergo present day - and oppression, cultural renaissance takes place.
