Dallas community leaders are mourning Kirk Myers-Hill, CEO of Abounding Prosperity, who was found dead in his office on Tuesday, April 4.
Initial reports are that he died of natural causes after suffering a heart attack.
Friends and family who gathered outside Abounding Prosperity offices say they remember Myers-Hill as a fierce leader and warrior for the LGBTQ+ community, WFAA reported.
“We lost somebody that was really important to the community. More than just a community leader, but as a friend too. So, I’m really at a loss for words,” said Lamar Glass.
“It’s just too shocking to me,” said neighbor and pastor Raphael Adebayo.
Myers-Hill founded Abounding Prosperity, Inc. in 2005 to provide social services and clinical resources to Black families and HIV+ residents in the South Dallas community.
He was also president of Dallas Southern Pride events held every summer. “There definitely will be a void, especially here in South Dallas,” said Auntjuan Wiley with AIDS Walk South Dallas.
Myers-Hill died weeks after a South Dallas public park was renamed to the Irene H. Trigg-Myers Prosperity Park in honor of Myers-Hill’s mother.
“This is certainly a momentous day,” said Myers-Hill at the ribbon cutting ceremony on March 15.
The staff at Abounding Prosperity issued a statement on Tuesday:
“On behalf of the Myers-Hill family and the staff of Abounding Prosperity, Inc. and Dallas Southern Pride, we ask for privacy at this time so that we may process and mourn the loss of our beloved leader. We will continue to honor Mr. Myers-Hill’s legacy by carrying on the important work that he began, and by striving to create a more just and equitable society for all.
All of our offices are closed until further notice.”
