Justice seekers celebrate the Till Bill’s anniversary

Kansas City’s Alvin Sykes helped re-open an investigation into the murder of Emmett Till and spent years urging Congress to secure funds for the U.S. Justice Department to investigate unsolved murders from the Civil Rights era. His efforts paid off a year ago today, when George W. Bush signed into law the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Act.

To celebrate, Sykes and the Emmett Till Justice Campaign are putting on a Truth and Justice Rally from 5 to 8 this evening at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center, 3700 Blue Parkway. Sykes promises “a family friendly event with some entertainment and refreshments.”

With Sykes, the term “family friendly” carries added meaning. As always, he encourages people to search their memories for distant relatives who might have mysteriously disappeared in the South in the ’50s or ’60s. Because now, thanks to Sykes’ efforts, the Justice Department might be able to help figure out what happened.

Space for today’s rally/celebration is limited, so Sykes asks that you make a reservation.