Mel King, civil rights icon and historic Boston mayoral candidate, dies at 94

In 1983, former South End state representative Mel King became the first Black person to make it onto a general election ballot as a candidate for Boston mayor.

King, who died Tuesday morning in his home at age 94, will be remembered for his historic achievement, which The Boston Globe said “ushered in a new era” of race relations in Boston.

Photos of King from the last 60 years show the countless ways he made a positive impact on the city throughout his life, and how he remained an important voice in city politics long after his mayoral defeat.

Mel King before his historic mayoral campaign:

Mel King during his historic mayoral campaign:

Mel King after his historic mayoral campaign:

Mel King’s later years: