BOSTON — Boston gave Melvin King a goodbye in the neighborhood he was born in, served in, and died in. The Union Methodist Church in the heart of Boston’s South End was filled with the memories of Mel King. A community leader, political activist, author, and educator — but most people say he was best known as a fighter for fairness. “Making sure we were centering people in our decisions and that is the beauty and genius of Mel King,” said former Mayor Kim Janey.
Rob Hollister remembers working with King years ago on grant-funded projects. “He never missed an opportunity to say ‘Hey we have to do better on the equity front,’” said Hollister. Toni Bee credits King for helping her become the first woman to be elected Poet Populist of Cambridge. “He spoke, he taught you how to fish. He told you to pick up the phone and you have an issue you call. So he activated you. He truly affirmed you. And I am so grateful he was in my life,” said Bee.
[ Remembering an icon: Longtime Boston activist Mel King to be laid to rest Tuesday ]
King is well-known for his role in fighting for affordable housing in the South End. King and his supporters built a temporary tent city on a demolished housing site until the developer agreed to construct new housing, now named “Tent City”. Annette Griffin came to the funeral to make sure King’s family knew how special of a man he was. “I’m very honored and I’m very proud of him and the work he had done for so many people,” said Griffin.
Everyone he touched told us he made you want to do better. Reverend George Woodroof did a brunch at his church in the South End with King. “Great sense of humor and similarly he never met a stranger. He was always very kind and very open to everyone and he loved the Boston community and he wanted it to be better for everybody,” said Woodruff.
[ Mel King, civil rights icon and first Black person to run for mayor in Boston, dies at 94 ]
Many dignitaries attended the funeral including Governor Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
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