Losing Mel King evokes a similar emotion that I felt when the Roxbury Love mural was demolished but deeper. I will always have the memory of his legacy and beauty in mind, but his physical presence can never be replaced. As a Black woman born and raised in Boston—Roxbury, stand up!—I can’t imagine a moment when I did not know of Mel King’s existence and how significant his life of service has been to Bostonians.
Like the Roxbury Love mural, Mel King’s presence in Boston was a living and breathing marker for Black Bostonians and Freedom Fighters in our city. Mel King’s life is simply a work of art.
Like Shirley Chisholm, he taught Black people that we didn’t have to be invited to the masses’ party. Mel King taught us that we should not only pull up a folding chair at the table, but we can and shall create our own block party and take up space with intention, integrity, dignity, and pride.
Mel King taught us that love is the question and the answer. He loved the people of Boston so much that he fought for food justice. He loved the people of Boston so much that he advocated for literacy and access to technology for all.
If you had the privilege of meeting Mel King at a community event or broke bread with him in his beautiful brownstone home in the South End for brunch, you should feel blessed. I had the privilege of meeting Mel King when I was a young reporter. He welcomed me into his beautiful home and allowed me to interview him for hours. There was a point in my interview when I just stopped asking questions and just listened to him speak. I felt love at that moment. He poured so much knowledge in his answers into my life.
It was such a privilege to be in his presence. That is a memory that I will always hold close to my heart.
Rest in Power, Mel King!
With respect,
Nakia
Like Mel King
Like Mel King
I pray that we as humans and artists are inspired
to do good deeds that are unseen
Like Mel King
I pray we stay rooted in community
Like Mel King
I pray we don’t crave the spotlight to be seen
Like Mel King
I pray that we feed each other the fruit of wisdom
Like Mel King
I pray that we invest our gifts and time
