Sunday, May 19, 2024
Kinnard was magnetic. Whether it was my first time meeting him more than two decades ago, or my thousandth, his smile, his laugh, and his openness always drew me in. We were long-time colleagues at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), at least 20 years. Kinnard spent his career advancing HUD’s support for universities, particularly Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). While HUD as an institution had high and low points in its support, Kinnard made sure HBCUs remained a priority to HUD leadership year in and year out.
One thing I also knew from watercooler conversations was that Kinnard was deeply committed to his wife and children, and to his community.
At HUD, we have lost an important source of energy to our daily lives, all of us have lost a great human being. For me personally, I have lost a kindred spirit. Rest in peace.
Todd Richardson, HUD colleague
