Dr. Carlton Eversley, a longtime activist for civil rights in Winston-Salem has died.

Tributes are being posted on the social media page of Dellabrook Presbyterian Church, where Eversley was the senior pastor.

Bishop Sir Walter Mack Jr. of Union Baptist Church says Eversley will be remembered as a brilliant scholar, a fine pastor, and a champion for the community.

“We will miss him because of his ability to speak truth to power and to speak to the community,” Mack says. 

Eversley was outspoken on racial issues in Winston-Salem, often raising concerns about the treatment of black people by local law enforcement. He called the use of force during the arrest of a middle school student last year, “a clear example of racism.”

He also advocated for the freedom of Darryl Hunt, who spent almost 20 years in prison before being exonerated in the rape and murder of Deborah Sykes. Eversley spoke at a service following Hunt's death in 2016, praising his spiritual growth during the time of his incarceration.

Eversley had long been active in the Ministers' Conference of Winston-Salem & Vicinity. Earlier this year Dellabrook Presbyterian held an event celebrating his 35 years in the ministry.

Correction: An earlier version of this story had the wrong date on the photo caption. It has been since updated.