Longtime Boston activist and former state representative Mel King, who died last Tuesday at 94, will be remembered next week with a wake and funeral service in the South End.
Though he lost the 1983 mayor's race to his former House colleague, Ray Flynn, King's groundbreaking campaign marked the first time a Black candidate advanced to the final mayoral ballot in Boston. He remained active as a community organizer.
PHOTOS: Boston Civil Rights Icon Mel King Through the Years
A public viewing and visitation is set for Monday, April 10 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., with an opportunity for "witnesses from the community" from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
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The funeral will be held Tuesday, April 11 at 12 noon. The family has invited guests to don bow ties "as a tribute to Mr. King."
Both events will take place at the Union United Methodist Church, 485 Columbus Ave., with plans to also broadcast Tuesday's funeral on Zoom.
