He was resourceful when necessary
Kahlil loved to dance, not just for fun, but with such mastery that he reached the third round of auditions to become a backup dancer for Madonna. The only reason he wasn’t chosen was his lack of acrobatic experience. He would often stage dance performances just for himself in his apartment, choreographing his moves and timing his steps.
During Kahlil’s high school years, he was a member of the track team and ran with a summer league that traveled. He also loved to cook and eat. He was particularly known for his love of ham. His mother, Vanessa Dickerson, recalls, “There would be a problem if there was no ham.” Now, when his aunt cooks ham, she wishes that Kahlil was there to try it.
Vanessa recalls that Kahlil “loved people and people loved him.” He was friendly, intelligent, and funny. Growing up, he was exceptionally close with his aunt Linda, who was like a second mother, and his grandmom Lizzie. A masterful storyteller, he would write short stories to share with friends and family.
A trendsetter in his own right, Kahlil started wearing his mother’s beaded bracelets despite the gendered norms at the time. He had a fierce independence and determination that drove him. At birth, Kahlil was born with a defective ear and significant hearing loss, yet, despite some challenges, he attended regular school, keeping up with his peers and excelling in the medical field. He held certifications in CMA, CNA, and was an HIV/HEPC Tester & Counselor for the State of Delaware. Kahlil’s own HIV diagnosis allowed him to relate with his patients, finding joy in the tangible difference he was able to make in their lives.
Substance use disorder hampered Kahlil’s independent nature as he spent many years in and out of recovery facilities. The inability to control his space and trajectory was devastating. Thankfully, in Kahlil’s final moments, he was in his own place.
Blessed with support from family and friends, Kahlil had deep compassion for his peers in recovery facilities who lacked the same. He was particularly struck by the incongruity of newly sober people who did not have clean underwear and socks to wear; the disparity between their great achievement and the material reality of their vulnerable world was jarring to Kahlil, who remedied this by gifting his own underwear and socks to peers in need. Now, in his memory, Kahlil’s mother Vanessa Dickerson has started a nonprofit. “US Drive AKS” is a donation mechanism that collects new underwear and socks for men in recovery facilities.
Vanessa misses Kahlil’s voice, his laugh, his smile, and hugs.
Kahlil’s mother, Vanessa Dickerson, provided the information for this narrative.
March 15, 1978-October 19, 2020-Age 42
Portrait Artist: Shawn Faust
Narrative Writer: Livia Cohen
