Eric Vickers, renowned civil rights activist, attorney and former Chief of Staff for State Senator Jamilah Nasheeed, has passed away today (Friday, April 13).
“Eric Vickers was a catalyst for change. He was an activist, getting involved in protest and politics at an early age. He knew the world could be a better place if only we’d fight for it,” Nasheed said in a statement. “And that’s what he did his entire life. From the streets of St. Louis to Wall Street, he fought for minorities, women, the underprivileged and the voiceless. He was firm in his beliefs, but he also understood the value of compromise and working together for the greater good. He had a true heart of an activist.”
Nasheed said she considered Vickers an important mentor for more than two decades.
“He encouraged me, educated me, but perhaps most importantly, he challenged me. It was an honor to know him and work alongside him as he fought against oppression wherever it was,” said Nasheed. “I am saddened by his loss, and my heart goes out to his family, but I believe his memory lives on as an example of what it means to be a catalyst for real change.
It is my hope that in remembering him, we will remember to be the change that he always strived for.”
A visitation for Vickers will be held tomorrow (Saturday, April 14) at at Darul-Islam Masjid, 517 Weidman Rd., Ballwin, MO 63011. Funeral Prayers will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the same address. The burial will take place at 2:30 p.m. on April 14 at Lakewood Park Cemetery, 7330 Mackenzie Rd., St Louis, MO 63123.
This story is developing and will be updated when more information is made available.
