The extraordinary life story of late civil rights pioneer Alvin Sykes, who reopened the Emmett Till murder case and fought for justice in other unsolved crimes, is being shared through a new autobiography, “Show Me Justice: The Happy Life Journey of Alvin Lee Sykes.”
A special launch event for the 200-page book, co-authored by former Kansas City Star editor Monroe Dodd, is planned for Sat., May 25, at 1 p.m. at the Black Archives of Mid-America, 1722 E. 17th Terr., KCMO.
The book allows readers to learn about the tenacious KC native who used his self-taught legal skills to reinvestigate and advocate for victims largely forgotten by the justice system.
The book details how Sykes (1956-2021) triumphed over a troubled childhood marked by poverty, illness, abuse, and being essentially orphaned at a young age.
Despite having only an eighth-grade education, Sykes became a formidable legal mind by studying at public libraries, which he referred to as “the great equalizer.” He never took a bar exam and was not a licensed attorney, yet his legal advocacy ultimately resulted in Congress passing the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Act in 2008.
“Alvin is a civil rights icon. He’s the foremost civil rights advocate of his generation,” said Ajamu Webster, trustee of the Alvin Sykes estate.
The May 25 event will feature readings from the book by Dodd, remarks from Sykes’ colleagues involved in his notable cases, and an opportunity for community members to share their own personal reflections on the celebrated activist’s life and work.
“Most people don’t know Alvin’s full life story – the details behind his accomplishments and what drove his unrelenting pursuit of justice,” Webster said. “This book provides insight into Sykes’ thought process and the context of his experiences that most people never saw.”
The Black Archives of Mid-America will also run an accompanying exhibit highlighting Sykes’ personal artifacts and papers May 15-31.
“The country is still struggling with many civil rights issues relating to free speech, freedom of expression, and denial of constitutionally guaranteed rights,” Webster said. “Alvin’s life story speaks to how people can advocate for justice within the law. His biography is very relevant and inspiring in this context.”
About Alvin Sykes’ Work
In 2004, after decades of investigation, Sykes’ efforts led to the U.S. Dept. of Justice reopening the 1955 Emmett Till murder case. The 14-year-old Black teen was abducted and lynched in Mississippi after being accused of whistling at a White woman. The case helped spark the civil rights movement of the 1950s and ’60s.
While new charges were not brought against Carolyn Bryant, the woman whose allegations led to Till’s killing, the renewed attention prompted an unprecedented apology to the Till family from the state of Mississippi.
In the 1980s, Sykes also helped secure a federal civil rights conviction against a Missouri man previously acquitted by an all-White jury in the beating death in a public park of a Black jazz musician Steve Harvey.
Praised by the likes of musician Herbie Hancock as someone who “changes the course of history,” Sykes persisted through challenges with an unwavering determination summed up by the Rev. Wheeler Parker, Till’s cousin: “Most people have a problem with being egotistical, but Alvin does not … He’s genuine. I appreciate that.”
Sykes passed away in 2021, but his legacy and methods for securing justice against long odds endure through “Show Me Justice,” available now wherever books are sold.
“Show Me Justice” Alvin Sykes Book Launch
The Black Archives of Mid-America
1722 E. 17th Terr., KCMO
Sat., May 25
1 – 3 p.m.
Free
