[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 8, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E125-E126]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF HYATTSVILLE MAYOR KEVIN WARD

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                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 2022

  Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and 
legacy of Mayor Kevin Ward. The Hyattsville community lost a trusted 
leader and a strong advocate when Kevin tragically lost his life to 
suicide on January 22. He was just forty-four years old and left behind 
a husband, two sons, and a grandson. His loss is deeply felt across the 
community and throughout Prince George's County in my district, and the 
outpouring of grief is a testament to the impact he left on so many. 
There was no one more willing to lend an ear to a neighbor or to do 
whatever it took to change someone's life for the better in the 
community to which he gave so much of his energy, talent, and love.
  Kevin saw Hyattsville as `the jewel in the crown of Prince George's 
County,' and he dedicated himself to making that jewel shine brighter. 
In 2015, Kevin was elected to the Hyattsville City Council, and during 
his tenure as a Council member and later as Council President, he 
promoted an inclusive agenda to help Hyattsville residents thrive and 
get ahead. He cosponsored legislation aimed at making Hyattsville more 
welcoming to and inclusive of immigrants and voted to expand the 
municipal franchise to include non-citizen residents. Under his 
leadership, Hyattsville experienced unprecedented economic growth with 
the expansion of the Gateway Arts District and creation of new housing.
  In 2020, Kevin became Interim Mayor and was elected to a full term 
last May. As Hyattsville's first openly gay and second Black mayor, 
Kevin was a trailblazer not only in representation but in the boldness 
of his vision. During his time in office, he was a champion for youth, 
affordable housing, and sustainability efforts. He worked zealously to 
help residents throughout the pandemic, partnering with the First 
United Methodist Church of Hyattsville to set up vaccination clinics 
and food distribution for those in need.
  Kevin was more than an exemplary public servant: he was a devoted 
father, grandfather, and husband. His love for his husband Chad, his 
sons Sydney and Norman, and his grandson Elijah inspired him to work 
for a better future for them and all who shared their community. I 
offer my deepest condolences to Kevin's family, friends, and neighbors, 
who will surely be reflecting on his legacy for a long time to come and 
who have already been an enormous support to Chad, their sons, and 
their grandson during this very difficult time. Through the darkness of 
this moment, surely Kevin's memory will be the inspiring light to guide 
the community forward into brighter days to come. I hope all of my 
colleagues will join me in remembering Kevin Ward and his life of 
service, passion, and love for his community.
  The rise in suicide among Black Americans is a challenge we as a 
nation cannot ignore. The pandemic has exacerbated mental health 
struggles for millions of Americans, and it is essential that we all do 
our part to reach out and help others who may be in need of assistance. 
I urge anyone struggling with grief or mental health challenges to 
reach out and seek support from the many resources available, including 
the National Suicide Hotline at (800) 273-8255.

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