Small Actions for Big Justice

Albert Sykes is the Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Education in America (IDEA). This native son of Mississippi has been an IDEA organizer and fellow for three years. Albert has a powerful personal story, one that is rooted in the struggles and search for quality education through community organizing and youth advocacy. In Mississippi, Albert has also helped lead the growth and development of a new statewide cadre of math literacy workers and young political organizers. He works on both the local and national level around critical issues such as education reform, zero-tolerance policies, and the school-to-prison pipeline. He advocates for policies such as Quality Education as a Constitutional Right and works in conjunction with many organizations, including the NAACP, where he serves on the Statewide Education Committee. Sykes previously served as the Director of Policy and Advocacy for the Young People’s Project. He has helped to organize the National Youth Congress’ 50th Anniversary of Freedom Summer, the “Finding Our Folk Tour” in response to Hurricane Katrina, and the Take Back America Conference. Through his many experiences, this Mississippian has gained firsthand knowledge and understanding of Black Mississippi’s struggle for justice, equity, and full citizenship.