"Oppression of one group or one person is oppression of all of us." Mel King, Boston Other's Voice, 1986

All of us at The History Project join in mourning the loss of community leader and activist Mel King. King was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1973 and was one of very few Boston-area politicians to embrace the LGBTQ+ community. King went on to file over twenty pieces of LGBTQ+-friendly legislation before leaving in 1982 to run for mayor in 1983. 

His commitment to racial equity and economic progress is an inspiration to us, but also a challenge. We pledge to carry forward the struggle for equity and justice that Mel King's life and work exemplified. To his family and multitude of friends, we extend our deepest condolences and our gratitude.

Quote from Boston's Other Voice, “Interview with Mel King, Massachusetts State Representative and founder of the Rainbow Coalition Party, 1986 April 27,” Documented | Digital Collections of The History Project.

Image from Gay Community News, October 7, 1983. Northeastern University Library, Archives and Special Collections.