Hyattsville Mayor Kevin Ward, the first the first African-American man to serve in that position, died on Tuesday, January 25. The city released an announcement about his death earlier today.

Ward, who was elected in May after serving as interim mayor and two-term city council member, was a longtime advocate for making the city more welcoming, promoting measures such as allowing non-citizens to vote in municipal elections, designating Hyattsville as a sanctuary city for undocumented immigrants and renaming the city’s largest park after the late African-American artist David Driskell.

In his campaign for mayor, he called for helping local businesses hurt by the pandemic, promoting affordable housing, enhancing community policing and focusing on sustainability and environmental awareness, among other things.

In June, Ward received the inaugural LGBTQ Excellence in Government Award from Prince George’s County Pride at Streetcar 82 Brewing Co. during the city’s first pride parade, which took place at the same time as the Capital Pride Walk and Rally.

Ward moved to Hyattsville with his husband and two sons in 2014.

On his campaign website, he described himself as a down-to-Earth person who liked to engage with other people.

“I like the roar of a V8 as much as I like the whir of an electronic car. And I like a sneaker more than I like a dress shoe,” he wrote. “I am equally apt to listen to Stevie Nicks as Meghan Thee Stallion. And I believe laughter is the best medicine.”

If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text TALK to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.

Community members in and around the Hyattsville area in need of grief counseling or mental health support are encouraged to contact Community Crisis Services, Inc.: call 800-273-TALK; or the Affiliated Sante Group crisis support line: 301-429-2185.