Mel King honored in Boston with day of remembrance
BOSTON - Hundreds of people came to the Union United Methodist Church in the South End Tuesday afternoon to pay their final respects at the funeral for Mel King.
The longtime civil rights activist passed away last month at the age of 94.
King served in the state legislature and was the first Black person to run for mayor of Boston in 1983. He was also well-known for fighting for affordable housing and services in the city.
Boston's first Black mayor, Kim Janey, said King had a huge impact on her life.
"As the first woman mayor, as the first Black mayor to lead Boston, there is no question in my mind, it is because of his work and what he has done for the city of Boston that led to me serving as mayor, that led to Mayor Wu serving as mayor and so many others," she told reporters before the service.
Mayor Michelle Wu declared Tuesday a citywide day of remembrance for King.
"It is important for me to be here today to honor a man that has stood up for the rights of not only the Blacks, but the minority and everyone else around the Boston area. I am just so honored. I do not know what to say. His legacy will live on forever," said South End resident Annette Griffin.
King leaves behind his wife Joyce of 71 years, six children, eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, along with an entire city who loved him so much.
"He transcended walls, geography. He emerged earthside cloaked in the divinity of purpose," Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley said.
Griffin said she lived in one of the affordable housing developments Mel King fought to create.
"I ended up living there for 45 years, so you know I am so honored and I taught my kids about Mel King also," Griffin said.
King's daughter Nancy fought back tears as she dedicated a poem to her father. King was a political activist, author, educator, and songwriter. But to his children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren he was so much more.
"Grandpa you were a consistent steady center of my childhood and guiding me even now as woman," Xaivier Ringer said.
King was described as a gentle giant, patient, kind and inspirational leader tackling tough issues.
He was a man rooted in service and dedicated to doing what is right but always leading with love.
"I know I will be guided by asking the question 'What would Mel do?'" Gov. Maura Healey said.