DALLAS — Some community members across South Dallas are mourning over the unexpected death of a nonprofit founder, community leader and activist who dedicated his life to public service.
It was an emotional day outside the offices of Abounding Prosperity, Incorporated on Tuesday, April 4, as neighbors and loved ones learned the nonprofit's founder and CEO Kirk Myers-Hill was found unresponsive inside the office.
Friends, family members, clients, some Dallas City Councilmembers and community partners gathered to remember the life Myers-Hill, who they said meant so much to the community.
"It’s just too shocking to me,” said neighbor and pastor Raphael Adebayo.
Those who knew him said they’re remembering him as a fierce leader and warrior for the LGBTQ+ community, and an advocate for all neighbors in underserved communities across Southern Dallas.
“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 a t a loss for words,” said Lamar Glass.
Myers-Hill started Abounding Prosperity, Inc. in 2005. Through his advocacy efforts with the nonprofit, he focused on bringing a variety of social services and clinical resources to the South Dallas community.
Myers-Hill was one of the visionaries behind the H.O.P.E. Health and Wellness Center and Pharmacy on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. He also spearheaded efforts to bring the All Black Lives Matter crosswalks in South Dallas.
Myers-Hill was also president of Dallas Southern Pride events that brought tens of thousands of visitors to North Texas each summer.
“There definitely will be a void. There definitely will be a void, especially here in South Dallas,” said Auntjuan Wiley with AIDS Walk South Dallas.
Recently, Myers-Hill was beaming with pride during one of his last public events. On March 15, the City of Dallas renamed Kimble Park to the Irene HJ. Trigg-Myers Prosperity Park, after his late mother.
Abounding Prosperity’s team said its offices will be closed until further notice. An emergency meeting was held on April 4, and unanimously voted to appoint Tamara Stephney as acting chief executive officer of the nonprofit.
Stephney has served with Abounding Prosperity for 12 years now, and worked side by side with Myers-Hill, the board said. Stephney is too an advocate for health services in the South Dallas community.
Friends, including Stephney, said they’re committed to continuing the service work Myers-Hill was so passionate about.
“There’s a spirit of the work that still remains. Those who are in need of care, and protection, and service and leadership will still get that,” said pastor Will Horn.
"The best way to honor his memory is to continue the work and carry his legacy forward,” Stephney said. “I will continue that work, the work to fulfill the mission of Abounding Prosperity, Inc. and the vision of Mr. Kirk Myers Hill.”
Below are the scheduled services to celebrate the life of Myers-Hill:
Community Vigil & Balloon Release
Saturday, April 8, 2023
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Irene H. Trigg-Myers Prosperity Park
2215 Warren Avenue, Dallas, TX 75215
Visitation
Thursday, April 13, 2023
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The Hall of State at Fair Park
3939 Grand Avenue, Dallas, TX 75210
Funeral Service
Friday, April 14, 2023
11 a.m.
Cathedral of Hope
5910 Cedar Springs Road, Dallas, TX 75235