Lawrence Francis Sykes

LAWRENCE FRANCIS SYKES,

September 10, 1931-September 22, 2020 (Age 89)

PHOTOGRAPHER, EDUCATOR, SCHOLAR, PATRIARCH AND ADVENTURER.

Larry Sykes, who died peacefully Tuesday morning, spent his life witnessing and documenting, what can only be described as, our simple humanity.  The soft spoken 6’8” gentle giant was immensely loved by his family, students, collectors and fellow artists. Larry was well and deeply immersed in many cultures and a citizen of the world.  Wherever he traveled he was instantly adopted and endeared by the natives of his destination.  Some of his most iconic images were taken in Haiti, Cuba, Africa, America, Brazil, Europe, and India.

He was known simply as “Sykes” by his family and close friends.  Sykes was the son of a Renaissance Man, Doctor, Negro League Pitcher, Morehouse and Howard Man and a highly educated Teacher and Athlete Mother.  Professor Sykes taught for many years at Rhode Island College, and in Ghana, inspiring the next generation of young photographers.  He leaves behind a treasure trove of remarkable images depicting our common human experiences.

He is survived by his loving wife Barbara, son Kirk and his wife Tammy, grandchildren Kyle, Sydney, Dennis, Zoe and Sommer and several nieces and nephews.  His siblings, Charles and Alice, presently live near the Sykes Ancestral Home in Baltimore. The Sykes family left Decatur, Alabama having played a pivotal role in the renowned Scottsboro Boys trial.

Sykes was a visionary who knew no boundaries in his quest to document the human condition, celebrate the African Diaspora and educate all that were fortunate enough to find themselves in his path. May he rest in the peace that he left this world in and continue his journey as his spirit roams this world with those he has left behind.

The Family will have a small virtual celebration next week, to be followed some weeks later by a celebration in the form of a “Final Exhibition” of his 7 decades of artwork.  All will be invited to this celebration, and details will follow as they are available.

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