Mel King was a Black community activist and politician who founded the Rainbow Coalition, was a Massachusetts State Representative from the 9th Suffolk District, and ran for Mayor of Boston in 1983. He is widely credited as being the “father of affordable housing” in Boston.
Mel’s leadership and example would encourage future generations of Black people to pursue higher offices. Mel is a legendary figure within Boston and beyond. His work has spanned decades and his person transcended politics.
Interested in how I make these portraits? Check out this quick video of the process for making Mel King