Boston civil rights icon and neighborhood organizer Mel King died Tuesday. He was 94.
King was a trailblazing advocate and political activist. He ran 3 times for a seat on the Boston School Committee, in 1961, 63 and 65, shedding every time, however he received a seat within the legislature, serving as state consultant from 1973 to 1982.
In 1983 he ran for mayor, turning into the primary Black candidate to advance to the ultimate election in Boston. He finally misplaced to Ray Flynn, however his marketing campaign gave rise to the Rainbow Coalition, a political mannequin subsequently utilized by Jesse Jackson, in accordance a History Makers biography of King.
Tributes to King are pouring in from round Boston.
“This groundbreaking, truth telling, unapologetic advocate fought tirelessly for his community. His impact is felt all over our great city,” mentioned U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Rachael Rollins. “So honored to have learned from him. May his legacy live on.”
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu mentioned in an announcement, “For decades, Mel King taught us all how to serve, how to build and how to love. His impact and legacy stretch across the boundaries of neighborhoods, race, class and status. His transformative ideas have shaped generations of organizers and leaders who are diving us closer toward his vision today.”
King taught on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology the place he created the Community Fellows Program within the Department of Urban Planning and Development. He served as adjunct professor within the division till 1996.
King went on to discovered the South End Technology Center whose mission is “ to facilitate the use of emerging technologies in ways that encourage people to become innovators and producers, to tell their own stories,” in line with its web site.
“With the passing of Mel King, we have lost a trailblazer in all of its forms: civil rights leader, grassroots organizer, educator, writer, legislator. He was my friend and one of the smartest men I have ever known,” mentioned Sen. Ed Markey in an announcement.
Rest in Power, Mel King. pic.twitter.com/d26KlTqpbY
— Mayor Michelle Wu 吳弭 (@MayorWu) March 29, 2023
A trailblazing civil rights icon and a blessing to our metropolis.
Mel King: relaxation in energy, my good friend. pic.twitter.com/ZhjHoyeIxp
— Marty Walsh (@MartyJWalsh) March 29, 2023
Today we misplaced a legend. Mel King deserves all of the flowers we may give. This groundbreaking, fact telling, unapologetic advocate fought tirelessly for his neighborhood. His affect is felt throughout our nice metropolis. So honored to have realized from him. May his legacy stay on. pic.twitter.com/7evCZfhfL3
— Rachael Rollins (@DARollins) March 29, 2023
Mel King’s imaginative and prescient and decency has made him considered one of Boston’s actual giants. His trailblazing spirit is a tribute to us all. He really left his mark on town’s quest for racial fairness. I prolong my deepest sympathies to his household and his many associates. #melking pic.twitter.com/CXRQar7SSa
— District Attorney Kevin Hayden (@SCDAONews) March 29, 2023
– Developing
Source: www.bostonherald.com”