SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 418
In Memory
of
Kirk D. Myers-Hill
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
commemorates the life of Kirk D. Myers-Hill, who died on
April 4, 2023, at the age of 54; and
WHEREAS, Kirk Myers-Hill was born on June 25, 1968; he was
the chief executive officer and founder of Abounding Prosperity,
Incorporated, a nonprofit organization in Dallas that is
dedicated to addressing health, social, and economic disparities
among Black Americans, with a particular emphasis on LGBTQ
individuals and their families; and
WHEREAS, Kirk was a visionary and an activist who dedicated
his life to serving vulnerable groups who face discrimination
with respect to medical services and in society at large and to
fighting for the rights of people suffering from HIV and AIDS; he
concentrated his energies on the right to health care and on
mobilization efforts to increase equity and access to services
for ethnic minority groups that are disproportionately affected
by HIV and AIDS; and
WHEREAS, For more than 20 years, Kirk fought to influence
HIV and AIDS policy, championing increased access to biomedical
interventions, treatment as prevention, and research on behalf
of Black communities; and
WHEREAS, Expanding his mission to encompass direct medical
and social services, in 2005, Kirk founded Abounding Prosperity,
an HIV testing, counseling, and referral agency; the
organization now offers a comprehensive range of services,
including HIV primary care, transgender health care, substance
abuse counseling, mental health counseling, supportive housing,
financial assistance, tele-wellness, and research and
recreational centers; and
WHEREAS, Kirk established an ethos of education,
prevention, and treatment and served with the State of Texas
Community Planning Group, chairing the Interventions Committee;
he also served on the City of Dallas Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and
Transgender Task Force and represented his community as a
founding member of the Dallas Chapter of the Texas Black Gay
Network; and
WHEREAS, A pillar of support and treasured member of his
community, Kirk was a passionate, selfless man whose courage,
warmth, and commitment to equitable health services has inspired
his colleagues, friends, and fellow citizens; Kirk's labors and
activism touched the lives of countless people, and he will be
long remembered by his many loved ones and by all who were
privileged to share in his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
family of Kirk D. Myers-Hill; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas
Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in
memory of Kirk Myers-Hill.
West
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 13, 2023, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate