The influence of Melvin Herbert "Mel" King on the city of Boston endures well after his passing. The City Council this week bestowed on King's legacy the honor of having the South End Branch of the Boston Public Library bear his and his wife Joyce's names. As reported by Boston.gov, the council supported a resolution to rename the library, highlighting the enduring impact of the couple on Boston's community.

Born to immigrant parents from Guyana and Barbados, King was a lifelong Bostonian, who alongside his wife of 72 years, dedicated his life to the upliftment of his community. A former Massachusetts state representative and a pioneering civil rights leader, his commitment to equality and education was unwavering. The South End Branch set to reopen after its extensive renovations will serve as a fitting tribute to the Kings’ extensive, local work, and to Mel's contributions as a legislator who championed causes ranging from divestment in Apartheid South Africa to the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

Mel King's foray into politics was marked by his grassroots 1983 mayoral campaign, making him the first African American in Boston's history to enter the general election for Mayor. His commitment resonated in his work post-election as he continued to mentor and guide activists, and founding entities like the Massachusetts Rainbow Coalition Party and the South End Technology Center. King, who died in early 2023 at the age of 94, left behind a legacy deeply rooted in activism and advocacy.

The South End Branch, with an inception dating back to 1877, and a current building established in 1971 is a cornerstone of community knowledge in Boston. The Council's unanimous decision to rename the institution in recognition of the Kings signifies a memorializing of their continued commitment to social justice and the enrichment of underprivileged members within the community.