Birmingham political and community activist Le’Darius Hilliard has died.
Hilliard, 36, died at 5:35 a.m. Friday at Baptist Medical Center Princeton.
He had been taken to the hospital suffering from a medical issue by paramedics on Oct. 14 and remained there until his death this morning, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office.
Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates said the cause of death has not been determined but there was no sign of trauma.
“Le’Darius was not only a public servant but a true champion of justice, fighting tirelessly for the rights of the voiceless and marginalized,’’ said close friend Carlos Chaverst.
“Le’Darius’s dedication to the cause of increasing the minimum wage in Birmingham was nothing short of inspiring,’’ he said.
“He understood the struggles faced by hardworking individuals and fought fearlessly to improve their lives. His leadership and unwavering commitment to this fight will forever be remembered.”
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin posted this on Facebook:
“Today we mourn the passing of Le’Darius Hilliard but celebrate his many contributions to our community, including his fierce devotion to education. From health care to housing, he was a true servant leader and advocate for our people. We pray for the comfort of his family and friends during this difficult time while never forgetting the impact he made in our city.”
Jefferson County District Attorney Danny Carr said, “Today we lost a soldier, friend and champion who constantly stood in the gap.”
Hilliard graduated from Minor High School in 2006, and then went on to study political science at Jeff State Community College and Mississippi State University.
Hilliard served as president of the Jefferson County Millennial Democrats since 2014 and in 2016 was elected to the State Democratic Executive Committee. He had also been named an NAACP Man of Distinction in 2015.
Hilliard led the fight for a minimum wage raise across the state and helped to lower water bills across Jefferson County.
He also worked on behalf of domestic violence survivors, fighting to protect victims on lease and rental matters and led efforts for children who witnessed shootings to receive free counseling.
He also spoke out against the 2018 Hoover Police Department’s fatal shooting of EJ Bradford at the Riverchase Galleria.
“Le’Darius’s bravery was evident when he stood on the front lines in Hoover, advocating for justice after the tragic loss of EJ Bradford,’’ Chaverst said. “He fearlessly confronted the challenges and injustices faced by our community, never shying away from the difficult conversations or actions necessary to effect change.”
Hilliard’s last bid for political office was in 2021 when he unsuccessfully ran for the Birmingham Board of Education, Place 9.
Longtime Birmingham activist Frank Matthews said Hilliard was just 11 years old when they met. He had an immediate interest in politics as he learned about Matthews’ first run for public office in 1998.
By the time Matthews sought office again, Hilliard became his first self-appointed campaign manager, bringing other teenagers along with him to participate.
“He did everything honestly, he loved people, and he had a maturity politically and friendship-wise,” Matthews said. “He was a treasure.”
“I knew him on an activist level. We have talked about various things,” said Commissioner Sheila Tyson. “Le’Darius was an organizer. I helped train Le’Darius on grassroots efforts, voter education and voter mobilization.”
Tyson said Hilliard’s passion for people was also evident in his work as an employee of the Birmingham Urban League. ”He was the one who went to the utility companies to talk to them to keep people’s water, light and gas on,” Tyson said. “It’s a tragedy that the community has lost him.”
“Le’Darius was not just a leader, but a true beacon of hope for those who felt unheard and unseen,’’ Chaverst said. “His passion, empathy, and unwavering determination touched the lives of countless individuals, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and our community.”
“As we mourn the loss of Le’Darius, let us also celebrate the incredible legacy he leaves behind,’’ Chaverst said. “Let us remember his courage, his strength, and his unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. May his memory inspire us all to continue his fight for justice, equality, and a better future for every individual.”
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