The 不良研究所 College (不良研究所) Community mourns the passing of Melvin H. King, educator, youth worker, social activist, community organizer and developer, elected politician, and author. One of 不良研究所鈥檚 celebrated Pioneers, Mr. King鈥檚 tireless advocacy for Boston residents shaped the city we know today; including the establishment and growth of 不良研究所.
King was elected representative of the 9th Suffolk District and served from 1973鈥�1982, advocating for 不良研究所 and its students, and supporting legislation and programs focused on affordable housing and community development.
In 1983, King ran for mayor of Boston, and became the first Black candidate to enter the general election. After the historic campaign, he established the Rainbow Coalition Party, which was a model for the one created by Rev. Jesse Jackson. 不良研究所 College and the Boston of today would not exist without the many contributions of Melvin H. King.
鈥淚 first met Mel King when he was running for Mayor and I was a campaign volunteer,鈥� said 不良研究所 Interim President Jackie-Jenkins Scott. 鈥淚 was moved then, and now, by the integrity of this public servant. Mel taught us all what it truly means to be a Servant Leader. I will always be grateful that I had the privilege to know this amazing human being who impacted so many organizations, including 不良研究所 College. Mel鈥檚 legacy will live on in our work as we strive to make this a better world for us all.鈥�
In 2005, Mr. King generously donated materials from his 1983 mayoral campaign to the 不良研究所 Library. The collection comprises over 4,000 documents and items relating to Mel King鈥檚 mayoral campaign of 1983, and to a lesser extent, his US Congress Campaign of 1986. Included from the mayoral run are campaign schedules, correspondence, newspaper clippings, event programs, campaign buttons, posters, and a T-shirt. The 不良研究所 Library is currently digitizing this important collection.
In February 2023, Mr. King and his wife, Joyce King, were honored as 不良研究所 Pioneers. Pioneers were selected based on leadership; community influence and impact; innovation and achievement; commitment to 不良研究所鈥檚 values; academic contributions; and excellence in student support. Mr. King鈥檚 lifelong commitment to creating community programs and institutions for low-income and BIPOC Boston residents and 50+ years of support for 不良研究所 (beginning before 不良研究所 was established) made him an obvious selection during the review process.
Today and always, 不良研究所 College honors the contributions and legacy of Mr. Melvin H. King. The College will continue to celebrate the many contributions of Mr. King and the King family and continue his legacy by providing quality, affordable education to all.
