The First Jessica Huntley Bursary Awarded
The Jessica Huntley Bursary has officially launched, marking a powerful new step in supporting young people of African and Caribbean descent in the Arts and Humanities. Created in memory of publisher and activist Jessica Huntley, the bursary uplifts students whose work is rooted in justice, culture and representation.
Celebrating Our First Recipient
We are proud to announce the inaugural recipient of the Jessica Huntley Bursary: Drew Wilson-Onyiriuka, an artist and student of Culture, Criticism and Curation. Alongside her academic studies, Drew is working on a cutting-edge digital curation project in collaboration with leading technology partners.
The panel was moved by Drew’s vision and her dedication to amplifying voices that are too often marginalised in institutional and artistic spaces. As a result, the bursary offers not just financial assistance, but community recognition and encouragement.
A Powerful Vision for Change
In her application, Drew wrote:
“I am working towards a high level of artistic and cultural expertise that allows me to create spaces that champion the works of subjugated bodies, knowledges, and voices often denied the right to exist.”
Her approach blends memory work, archival research, and the cultural literacy of African and Caribbean diasporas. For Drew, this journey is both academic and personal—an act of reclaiming heritage and honouring her roots.
Inspired by the Archive
Drew’s connection to Jessica Huntley’s legacy began at a summer programme hosted by the Black Cultural Archives. It was further deepened during a seminar visit to The London Archives, where she saw first-hand the absence of Black British pioneers in mainstream narratives.
She reflected:
“Learning African Caribbean heritage is important to me as I am constantly ‘Locating points of Origin’, understanding where I came from and what innovators made way for the mobility I have today.”
Creating Opportunity, Extending Legacy
The Jessica Huntley Bursary is designed to reduce barriers faced by students from underrepresented backgrounds—whether financial, familial or structural. For Drew, the bursary enables participation in key events, access to important texts, time for deep research, and the mentorship needed to shape her emerging curatorial practice.
This initiative reflects the heart of Jessica Huntley’s legacy: community-driven learning, cultural pride, and collective memory.
Thank You for Your Support
To our trustees, funders, students and supporters—thank you. Your belief in the power of education, memorial and activism makes the Jessica Huntley Bursary possible. Together, we are nurturing a new generation of thinkers, curators and cultural changemakers.
Photo: (c) FHALMA
Jessica Huntley Bursary recipient Drew Wilson-Onyiriuka seated with Eric Huntley (July 2025)
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