Reverend Doctor Samuel “Billy” Kyles, civil rights activist who stood on the balcony with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. the day he was murdered, has died. He was 81.
Kyles was part of the Civil Rights movement for more than 55 years, and dedicated his life to improving conditions for African Americans.
In 1968, he helped form the effort to gain community support for sanitation workers that went on strike the same year King was assassinated; and was one of the people responsible for bringing Dr. King to Memphis to make a difference.
Dr. King was planning to eat dinner at the Reverend’s house the evening of his assassination, but never made it after he was fatally shot.
In 1961, Kyles was head of NAACP’s committee for education, and was instrumental in efforts to desegregate Memphis.
His family says his legacy will live on forever, and plan to keep it alive in whatever way they can.
Details on Reverend Doctor Samuel “Billy” Kyles’ celebration of life have not been released yet.
