BOSTON — Mel King, a civil rights icon and the first Black person to run for mayor in Boston, will be laid to rest Tuesday.
King, who was born and raised in Boston’s South End in 1928, passed away in late March at the age of 94.
The longtime activist fell short in the 1983 mayor’s race to his former House colleague, Ray Flynn, but King’s groundbreaking campaign marked the first time a Black candidate advanced to the final mayoral ballot in Boston.
King will be honored during a funeral at the Union United Methodist Church in Boston from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
King’s family has invited guests to don bow ties as a special tribute.
Due to limited capacity, tickets will be required for admission.
The service will be livestreamed.
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