Maurice R. Sykes

"Speak up, speak out, get in the way . . .
Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America"
—John Lewis

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Maurice Sykes, a revered champion of early childhood education in Washington, DC and nationally. His unwavering dedication to the field has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless children, educators, and families. A generous, thoughtful, and courageous leader, mentor, colleague, and friend, Maurice departed this world, leaving a legacy of advocacy, leadership, activism, and compassion.

Maurice Russell Sykes, aged 80, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2025. A beloved family member, esteemed colleague, and cherished friend, he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Born on February 17, 1945, in Schenectady, NY, Maurice grew up in Bethel AME Church, where he developed a strong foundation in community and service. Maurice graduated from Mont Pleasant High School in Schenectady, New York. He later attended Wilberforce University and graduate school at Antioch University, setting the stage for a lifelong commitment to education.

Maurice's career began as a teacher, a role that ignited his passion for early education. He served as the Director of the Tufts University Educational Day Care Center and as a Lecturer in the Elliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development. Throughout his career, Maurice held significant roles within the District of Columbia Public School System, including Deputy Superintendent for the Center for Systemic Educational Change and Director of Early Childhood Programs. He served as an advisor to the U.S. Education Department on policies related to urban school improvement and ultimately served as Director of the Early Childhood Leadership Institute at the University of the District of Columbia. He was selected as a National Policy Fellow by the Institute for Educational Leadership, and subsequently coordinated its D.C. Education Policy Fellowship program.

Maurice was a nationally sought after keynote speaker. He also led educational study tours to Reggio Emilia, Italy, exploring innovative approaches to early childhood education. Maurice's influential writings, Doing the Right Thing for Children: Eight Qualities of Leadership and the co-edited volume Child Care Justice: Transforming the System of Care for Young Children, reflect his unwavering commitment to advocating for high-quality early childhood education for all children. In recent years, Maurice's work focused on the critical issue of preschool expulsions, and it's negative impact, particularly among boys of color, the importance of mental health support for educators and caregivers, and pay equity for early childhood educators.

Among the many acknowledgements of his work, Maurice was profiled as an Early Childhood Champion in a national study released by the National Association of State Boards of Education. He was selected as a National Policy Fellow by the Institute for Educational Leadership and subsequently coordinated its D.C. Education Policy Fellowship program. Maurice was a former governing board member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. His contributions to the field were recognized with the Marjorie Holloman Parker Distinguished Educator Award from the University of the District of Columbia, and he was proudly inducted into the D.C. Hall of Fame Society.

Maurice fought tirelessly against inequality, championing access to quality programs for every child, regardless of background. His work embodied the principles of advocacy and social justice, inspiring countless individuals to become change agents within the early childhood education system. His insights and dedication to improving the lives of others will leave a lasting impact on future generations.

Maurice is predeceased by his mother Eloise (Browning) Sykes, father Joseph C. Sykes, sister Joyce Woodard, and brother Yusef Shabazz. He is survived by his loving siblings: sister Greta Smith (James), Lawrence Sykes (Joyce), and Bruce Sykes. Maurice is also survived by his devoted uncle George Sykes. Additionally, he leaves behind cousins, nieces, and nephews who cherish their time with Maurice and will carry forward his memory. There is also a host of extended family and friends who will deeply miss his kind spirit and the joy he brought to their lives. Maurice's legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Services will be held on April 9, 2025 at Light's Funeral Home, 1428 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12304. The viewing will begin at 10 a.m. with the funeral service starting at 11 a.m., and followed by interment at Evergreen Memorial Park, 2150 Central Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12304.

In addition, a memorial service will be held at a later date in Washington, DC.
In lieu of flowers, the family and close friends request that donations be made in memory of Maurice Russell Sykes to:
D.C. Early Learning Collaborative
700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE
2nd Floor, Suite 2030
Washington, DC 20003