Washington (March 28, 2023) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement on the passing of former Massachusetts State Representative Mel King.

“With the passing of Mel King, we have lost a trailblazer in all of its forms: civil rights leader, grassroots organizer, educator, writer, legislator. He was my friend and one of the smartest men I have ever known. Mel King was an inspiration to me and countless others who sought and fought for a more just future. He was the generational conscience for the entirety of the Commonwealth and the stalwart foundation on which all Boston’s modern progress has been won. Mel taught me and everyone else in the Massachusetts State House what it meant to fight for real justice – racial, economic, and social. From the time we were sworn in together as young State Representatives, to the long hours spent working in the legislature, Mel changed my life, as well as the lives of the Boston communities he fought for day-in and day-out. Mel has passed from this mortal world, but his legacy will live on in our collective consciousness, reaching out in the words, deeds, and spirits of those fighting for justice. His memory will overcome all barriers, and will continue to rewrite what is possible, forever serving as a beacon guiding our path toward progress. For you, Mel, we will never stop fighting.”