KANSAS CITY, Kansas (KCTV) — A prominent politician who served the state of Kansas for decades has died. Chester C. Owens, a lifelong civil rights activist and historian, died at the age of 91.

The mayor of Kansas City, Kansas, Tyrone Garner, made the announcement on Facebook:

Owens became the first African American to serve on the Kansas City City Council in 1983, serving two terms.

But he also made history with his late wife, Lillie Owens. Together, the couple fought for equal labor rights, helped to desegregate schools, and played a key role in bringing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to the state in 1968.

His death occurred as he was preparing to move to North Carolina to be closer to his family.

READ MORE: Civil rights activist prepares to leave KCK after 78 years

In an interview in May, Owens told KCTV5 what he wants his legacy to be.

“Bringing people together. Respecting each other as people,” Owens said. “I want to be remembered as someone who tried to do that.”

His presence will be felt in Kansas forever.

The Wyandotte County Unified Government and Mayor Garner honored Owens with a key to the city and a plaque on 12th Street named after him and Lillie.

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