Author and veteran journalist Monroe Dodd has spent his career documenting the fascinating, and sometimes lesser-known, history of Kansas. Dodd is a former editor of The Kansas City Star, the oldest surviving legacy newspaper in Kansas City. As a journalist, Dodd was familiar with many of the movers and shakers in Kansas, including Alvin Sykes, a civil rights activist and attorney who became a heralded icon in the Civil Rights Movement for his dedication to many causes for people of color, the poor and disenfranchised. Arguably, Sykes’ most notable contribution to civil rights was his tireless and profound commitment to seeking justice for Emmett Till, whose death catapulted the Civil Rights Movement.
As well-known as Sykes had become in the local community and on the national stage, it wasn’t until 2013 that Dodd and Sykes would finally connect, and develop a close friendship until Sykes’ untimely death in 2021 at the age of 64. In the final years of his life, Sykes was working on his autobiography, “Show Me Justice,” which he asked Dodd to help him complete — an invitation that Dodd was honored to accept.
“Show Me Justice: The Happy Life Journey of Alvin Lee Sykes” not only chronicles the numerous adversities Sykes overcame from birth and throughout his childhood, but the unwavering and steadfast commitment Sykes had to the pursuit of truth and justice. Dodd, like many, remembers Sykes as more than a hero, but a titan in the fight against oppression and injustice — something that was deeply embedded in the core of Sykes’ character.
Dodd hopes readers who knew Sykes — and didn’t — will learn from Sykes’ activism and leadership, as well as see the depths of Sykes’ selflessness and generosity, to understand why throughout the many trials and tribulations, life was always a happy journey for Sykes.
“Show Me Justice: The Happy Life Journey of Alvin Lee Sykes” will be released on May 9, 2024 and can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookstore.org, and other retailers.
Corey Arvin is Editor of BLK News Now! His journalism experience includes Television, Newspapers, and Digital Media as a Writer, Reporter, Content Producer, and Digital Producer. Some of those media outlets include CBS Phoenix (KPHO), NBC4 Los Angeles, ABC7 Los Angeles, California Black Media, SCNG, and more. He can be reached at Corey@BLKNewsNow.com.