KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) – A prominent Kansas City civil rights activist has passed away.
Alvin Sykes, 64, died Friday morning from complications from a spinal injury that occurred two years ago.
Sykes investigated unsolved murders of blacks killed during the civil rights movement.
The most famous case he was involved in at the national level was the murder of Emmett Till.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce that Alvin Sykes has passed away. He helped shape the Emmett Till Justice Campaign among many other awards. He was a friend and an inspiration to many,” said the Emmett Till Interpretive Center in a tweet.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said Syke’s loss was “tough”.
“Alvin’s loss is really tough,” he said. “Largely self-taught with the help of our public libraries, Alvin fought for justice for families of victims, long-disappointed communities and a system that was long overdue to improve. We will miss him very much.”
Sykes testified several times before Congress on civil rights crimes and unsolved crimes.
He testified in support of what would become the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
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