Mel King, Boston activist and iconic black leader, has died at the age of 94, shocking the country. Mel King, a well-known former state representative, died Tuesday at his home in the South End at the age of 94. In 1983, King made history by becoming the first black person to run for mayor of Boston. Mr. King had been ill for many months after a fall about a year and a half ago, according to his wife, Joyce. He was currently hospitalized at Boston Medical Center, but asked to be released and went home three days ago.
Death and obituary of Mel King: The legendary black leader died at the age of 94
Mel King, Boston’s leading civil rights activist who has died at the age of 94, is being remembered by local political figures. He died peacefully in his sleep. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu thanked King for influencing future generations of leaders who strive for a more just society. He has been a significant presence in Boston politics for decades, she said, and his work has focused on increasing wages and opportunities for all people. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts reflected on his experience working with King and his legacy of fighting for social justice.
A longtime South End resident, King was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1973 and served for nearly a decade. He made history as the first black man to run for mayor of Boston, although he was defeated in the primary election in 1983. Mayor Wu sent her condolences to King’s family and friends, noting that his influence and legacy will continue to inspire future leaders. Funeral plans for King are still being finalized, and a full list of survivors was not immediately available.
The Death of Mel King: Ethnicity, Family, and Upbringing
Joyce Ferriabough is the wife of Mel King. They married in 1951 and had six children, three of whom were Charlene, Karen and Melvin Jr. Mel was born on October 20, 1928 in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the eldest of eleven brothers and sisters. King is of African-American descent and American nationality. He grew up in the South End area as the son of Caribbean immigrants.
Watts Richard King, his father, was a longshoreman from Barbados, and his mother, Ursula (Earle) King, was an immigrant from Guyana. King’s parents were both community activists who instilled in him a strong sense of social justice from an early age. King returned to the South End after graduating from Claflin College in South Carolina in 1951. He then earned a master’s degree in education from Boston Teachers College and continued graduate studies at Boston University and Northeastern University.
Before working as a social worker at the South End Settlement House, King taught temporarily at Boston Trade and Boston Technical High School. He eventually founded an alternative “freedom school” in the same building. King married Joyce Kenyon in 1951 and remained married for the rest of his life. As previously stated, King grew up in Boston and was active in the city’s political and social activities. King was an acclaimed academic in addition to his political and humanitarian efforts, having taught at many colleges throughout his career. He passionately advocated for youth empowerment and creating social change through education.
Categories: Entertaintment
Source: HIS Education