Alvin Sykes

The new autobiography "Show Me Justice: The Happy Life Journey of Alvin Lee Sykes" documents the extraordinary story of the self-taught legal scholar from Kansas City. Sykes fought tirelessly to re-open several unsolved civil rights cold cases, including the murder of Emmett Till.

Memorial services for Sykes were held Thursday morning at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. Colleagues, friends and family spoke from the pulpit, virtually and via Facebook Live remembering Sykes' many accomplishments.

Renowned Kansas City civil rights activist Alvin Sykes has died, Westport's homeless encampment is catching the eyes of Kansas Citians, and the Crossroads Community Association celebrates 20 years.

Sykes was an icon among Kansas City's civil rights activists. While he had a hard-headed, solo working-style, his success in drawing attention to unsolved civil rights cases is recognized nationwide.

At 3 o’clock in the morning on Saturday, Alvin Sykes sent a text followed by a phone call to North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr who was still on the floor…