The Celebration of Life for Eric Huntley, held on 17 February 2026, was a profoundly moving and historic moment for Ealing and the wider Black British community, drawing together elders, activists, artists, family members, young people and neighbours in a collective farewell worthy of a collective life.
The Celebration of Life took place following his death on 21 January 2026 aged 96.
West London Crematorium and Greenford Hall were filled beyond capacity, with additional livestreamed rooms also full. From the opening processional to the committal, the service reflected the dignity, clarity, spirituality and collective responsibility that defined Eric Huntley’s life and work.
For those unable to attend in person, and for anyone who may have missed the service and would like to watch it, the Celebration of Life was recorded and is available to view via the Obitus on-demand livestream until Wednesday 18 March 2026.
Livestream link: https://watch.obitus.com/login/wvppf4
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Akindread Drummers, led by his son Chauncey Huntley, accompanied the casket into the chapel, grounding the ceremony in ancestral rhythm and presence. The Order of Service opened with a welcome from Marge Lowhar, followed by the poem To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me, read by family members Efea Rutlin and Senzeni Layla-Huntley. Scripture was delivered by Reverend Patrick Huntley, further affirming the intergenerational and familial nature of the service. Hymns including What a Friend We Have in Jesus and How Great Thou Art were sung with deep feeling by the congregation.
The central eulogy was shared by Eric Huntley’s children, Chauncey Huntley and Accabre Rutlin, whose words spoke with honesty, love and political clarity about their father’s life, values and unwavering commitment to community. Floral tributes followed, alongside reflections from Joyce Trotman and Jason Salkey, and a powerful address by Professor Gus John, who situated Eric Huntley’s life within a broader tradition of Black internationalist struggle, education and collective action. The closing prayer was offered by Lydia Bellamy.
As the curtains gently closed and Oh What a Beautiful Morning played, with guests in both chapels singing together, there was a palpable sense of warmth, peace and reassurance — a shared feeling that Eric Huntley was truly at rest. For many present, it was a moment that will remain unforgettable.
The reception that followed was alive with conversation, memory, music and what many described as “love in action”. Contributions and performances included John Agard, TUUP, Alexander D Great, Mervyn Weir, Dr Michelle Yaa Asantewa and Leo McCalman with his True Steel Band alongside elders, comrades, family members and young people whose lives Eric Huntley had shaped through decades of publishing, education and community organising.
During the reception, I Grace Quansah (Akuba) launched and read a personal poetic tribute, THE Only Option, written following Eric Huntley’s Nine Night.
The poem, which reflects on Coldershaw Road, collective struggle, ancestral memory and Eric Huntley’s lifelong insistence that action — not indifference — is the only response to injustice, was warmly received by those present. The poem can be accessed here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mle_Z-cqVTb7MJE1AaB4Ifhi-SVSr5iC/view?usp=drivesdk
The gathering concluded with everyone forming a large circle, holding hands together — a simple but powerful expression of unity and shared commitment.
Writer and educator Qian Zephaniah, widow of the late poet Benjamin Zephaniah, reflected on the day, describing the funeral as “not just a farewell, but a homecoming of spirit”, noting that Eric Huntley’s presence could be felt “in every embrace, every spoken memory, every tear”.
Messages of remembrance and donations in Eric Huntley’s honour can be shared via his MuchLoved page: https://erichuntley.muchloved.com
A further opportunity to honour his legacy will take place at the 20th Annual Huntley Conference, I Am an Archive. We Are an Archive, on 21 February 2026, at the London Metropolitan Archives, dedicated to Eric Huntley’s lifelong commitment to preserving Black history, culture and community archives.
