~ Renowned civil rights leader and community activist, Melvin Herbert King, passed away at the age of 94 on March 28th, 2023. Born on October 20, 1928 in the South End neighborhood of Boston to Guyanese and Barbadian immigrants Ursula and Watts King, he was one of eleven children.

King's passion for social justice and community empowerment was evident from a young age. After graduating from Boston Technical High School and Boston State College with a Masters of Arts in education, he founded the Community Assembly for a United South End (C.A.U.S.E) to give voice to tenants and residents in his neighborhood.

In 1973, King was elected to represent Massachusetts' 9th Suffolk district. Throughout his tenure as a state representative, he advocated for progressive policies such as divestment from Apartheid in South Africa and LGBTQ+ rights. He also made history by becoming the first African American to make it to the general election for Mayor of Boston in 1983.

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Running a grassroots campaign focused on promoting access to quality education for all, easing racial tension, and garnering support from local neighborhoods, King's mayoral bid inspired many. Although he did not win the election, his impact on Boston's political landscape was significant.

Even after his mayoral campaign, King continued to be a guiding force for organizers of all backgrounds. He went on to found the Rainbow Coalition Party in Massachusetts and the South End Technology Center which provided computer training for low-income residents.

In recognition of his contributions to the city of Boston, there have been calls to rename the South End Branch of the Boston Public Library after Melvin Herbert King. The library is currently undergoing renovations and presents an opportunity to honor one of Boston's most celebrated civil rights leaders.

This week, the Council adopted a resolution supporting the renaming of the library in honor of Melvin Herbert King. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations and his impact on the city of Boston will never be forgotten.

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