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From YouTube: Mel King Birthday Celebration
Description
Mayor Walsh wishes a happy 89th birthday to community activist Mel King during a ceremony at the McKinley School in the South End. Friends and family of King, including former mayor Raymond L. Flynn, share stories and memories from his distinguished life of service to the City of Boston and its residents.
A
Let
us
mark
this
day
you
and
I
us.
The
people
gathered
here
today
in
this
place
at
this
time
in
this
very
moment
where
the
children
have
gathered
full
of
words
and
song,
where
the
people
have
gathered
full
of
love
and
joy,
where
the
air
is
charged
with
admiration
for
you.
Melvin
king
son
of
the
south
end
child
of
the
New
York
streets,
where
children
were
loved
by
all
the
adults
and
all
the
adults
minded
the
children.
A
Those
streets
loved
you,
Seneca
and
Florence
all
have
now
disappeared,
but
you
remain
Mel
Kane
son
of
a
beautiful
couple
from
the
West
Indies,
your
father,
a
union
man
who
helped
and
helped
and
then
helped
some
more
your
mother
resourceful
and
creative.
They
shared
what
they
had
and
they
always
kept
an
open
door.
A
You
felt
valued
and
loved
a
member
of
the
Church
of
All
Nations
and
that's
how
you
grew
into
a
man
who
fights
for
people
of
all
nations,
father
of
six
husband
of
Joyce
Joyce,
the
quietly
magnificent
Melvin
King
leader
of
many
friends,
even
more
teacher
of
truth
craftsman
of
the
rainbow
coalition
blacksmith
of
the
chain
of
change.
We've
come
together
on
this
occasion,
your
89th
birthday
to
say
thank
you.
So
let
us
proceed
and
let
us
mark
this
day.
B
Thank
you
very
much.
Miss
Scott
I
appreciate
that
I
want
to
thank
the
headmaster
Saunders
as
well
for
allowing
us
here
the
young
people,
the
McKinley.
Thank
you
very
much
for
that
great
welcome
you
gave
me
will
also
thank
you
for
what
you
do
in
our
city.
I
want
to
congratulate
today's
scholarship
winners
and
everyone
who
worked
on
the
incredible
mural
I
want
to
recognize
the
the
chief
of
the
school
cabassa
public
schools,
Rob
Egan,
Tsavo,
Thank,
You,
Robby
chief
of
staff
over
the
after
ones,
and
good
things.
B
Mel
and
Ray
are
amazing,
because
they're
still
working
on
issues
around
peace
and
violence
in
our
city,
they've
never
stopped
doing
that.
You
know
at
a
time
when
they
ran
free
against
each
other
from
there.
Actually,
what
people
thought
it
would
tear
the
city
apart
actually
in
some
ways
brought
us
together
and
I
want
to
thank
you
both
for
all
that
you've
done
in
your
career.
So
thank
you,
I'm
honored,
to
be
here
to
wish
my
dear
friends
a
happy
89th
birthday,
Mel
King.
B
B
Nobody
in
the
city,
I,
don't
think,
has
lifted
our
city
at
more
than
Mel
King
has.
Where
do
we
start
Mel
King
for
young
people
here
you
know
that
you
should
know
the
history
of
Mel
Kane
Mel
King
was
a
youth
worker.
Mel
King
was
in
organizer.
No
King
was
an
elected
official
Mel
King
is
an
author.
Mel
King
is
an
artist
Mel
King
is
a
teacher.
No
King
is
a
changemaker
and
he's
always
been
here
in
the
south
end.
B
B
Some
leaders
have
long-term
vision
on
what
they
want
to
accomplish.
Some
just
want
to
get
things
done
today.
Mel
wants
both.
He
thinks
about
laying
down
the
foundation,
but
he
also
is
doing
something
today
this
man
was
born
before
TV
was
invented,
but
he's
the
one
that
brought
the
Fablab
to
the
Boston
Public
Schools.
B
I'm
ash
I'm
gonna
ask
you
for
a
favor,
the
guy
in
front
of
me
with
the
Kent
with
the
jacket
you
move
a
little
bit
left.
I,
don't
want
to
get
melt
just
want
to
get
that's
about,
having
a
vision
and
building
a
vision.
What
a
vision
looks
like
Mel
has
always
been
about
empowering
the
community
with
the
resources
that
people
need,
whether
the
resources
knowledge,
whether
the
resources,
political
power
or
whether
the
resources
technology
melih
identifies
the
needs
and
goes
to
work
to
secure
it
for
the
different
communities.
They
look
around.
The
room
here.
B
I
see
a
lot
of
people
in
this
room
that
have
been
in
the
battle
of
Mellon,
and
you
know
what
he's
done
for
the
community.
We're
talking
a
lot
these
days
about
future.
What
what
the
futures
gonna
look
like,
Boston's
becoming
a
global
Annette.
You
gonna
move
that
way,
Boston's
becoming
a
global
technology
leader,
and
we
are
continuing
to
move
that.
We
want
to
make
sure
that
all
of
our
young
people
have
the
resources
and
the
skills
they
need
to
be
successful
and
that's
what
you
do
Mel
every
single
day.
B
Mel's
been
doing
this
work
of
the
south
end
Technology
Center
and
here
at
the
McKinley
school
in
this
in
the
southern
Academy
teaching
the
STEM
skills,
integrating
the
a
for
arts
into
a
steam
education
to
join
the
skills
of
imagination
and
vision,
making
sure
that
I
young
people
use
what
they
have
inside
of
them.
Mel
was
working
on
this
Fab
Lab.
Before
most
people
knew
what
a
Fab
Lab
was.
B
We
have
a
master
plan
called
imagine
Boston
2030,
it's
nearly
500
pages
on
how
we
can
be
a
city
for
all
of
us.
We
could
have
written
a
whole
chapter
and
saying
to
what
Mel
does
Mel.
You
have
inspired
and
improved
our
city
for
89
years.
You
have
mentored
countless
number
of
young
people
who
are
now
leaders
in
our
city.
I
want
to
thank
you
for
that.
When
we
look
at
these
young
people,
we
know
this
city
will
continue
to
be
inspired
by
you.
B
I
don't
want
to
thank
you
and
I
have
something
that
you
probably
don't
have
Mel
it's
a
proclamation
from
the
mayor's
office
and
they're
very
difficult
to
get
and
I'm
gonna
bring
it
over
to
you.
The
certificate
of
recognition,
Mel
King,
probably
has
like
3000
of
these
by
the
way
presented
some
milking
in
honor
of
your
89th
birthday
and
appreciation
of
your
outstanding
dedication
to
the
community
and
your
commitment
to
creating
opportunities
for
every
single
person
for
his
or
her
highest
potential.
B
A
C
Good
morning,
everyone,
my
name
is
Rob-
can
solve.
Oh
I
have
the
honor
of
being
the
chief
of
staff
to
superintendent,
Tommy
Chang
and
the
proud
privilege
of
working
for
our
great
mayor
mayor,
Marty,
Walsh
I
want
to
apologize
for
us
that
dr.
Chang
couldn't
be
here
today.
Dr.
Chang
is
currently
at
a
conference
in
Cleveland,
with
superintendents
from
all
around
the
country
who
are
examining
best
practices
around
our
educational
system.
C
So
he
said,
there's
very
deep
regrets
that
he
couldn't
be
here,
but
I
am
so
honored
to
be
here
to
say,
happy
birthday
to
Mel
Kane
and
to
honor
Mel
King
for
all
the
work
that
he
has
done
for
our
city.
The
Boston
Public
Schools
are
better
placed
today
because
of
Mel
King
Mel
has
been
invested
for
years
in
the
Boston
Public
Schools,
and
particularly
here
at
the
McKinley,
where
he
brought
technology
to
this
school
when
students
otherwise
might
not
have
had
that
opportunity.
C
C
A
mayor
Flynn
had
the
honor
of
working
with
Mel
King
30
years
ago
on
issues
in
our
city
and
now
I
have
the
honor
as
well
to
work
with
Mel
on
issues
in
Boston,
so
he
has
touched
lives
across
all
generations
and
I
know.
The
mayor
pointed
out
many
things
that
Mel
has
done.
I,
don't
know,
folks,
also
realize
he's
one
heck
of
a
tennis
player
and
I
have
sat
on
the
court
next
to
Mel
many
times
when
he
smashed
that
ball
and
at
the
Reggie
Lewis
Center,
as
we
play
tennis
together.
C
So
a
great
tennis
player
as
well,
but
I
want
to
just
say
in
thanking
Mel.
It
reminds
me
of
an
old
saying,
an
old
saying
we
have
it.
The
saying
says
that
praise
and
thanks
like
diamonds
and
gold
owes
its
worth
to
scarcity,
because
too
often
we
don't
say
thank
you
or
praise
the
people
who
truly
deserve
our
thanks
and
prayer.
I.
Think
everyone
in
this
room
knows
that
Mel
King
deserves
all
of
our
thanks
and
all
of
our
praise
and
we
thank
you
Mel
from
the
bottom
of
our
hearts,
for
all.
D
Dear
Melvin
I
would
like
to
offer
my
congratulations
on
your
89th
birthday
as
you
enjoy
this
truly
special
day.
Keep
in
mind
these
wise
words
from
Lucille
Ball.
The
secret
of
staying
young
is
to
live
honestly,
eat
slowly
and
lie
about
your
age.
Once
again,
please
accept
my
warmest
greetings
on
this
wonderful
occasion.
I
encourage
you
to
cherish
this
time
with
your
friends
and
family
I.
Wish
you
many
many
more
years
of
health
and
happiness
as
you
enjoy
this
special
day.
Sincerely
Elizabeth
Warner,
United,
States
Senator.
A
A
D
I
just
like
to
say
a
couple
of
things
really
quick
one
is
that
there
is
someone
who
is
not
here
today,
but
I
believe
deserves
quite
a
bit
of
recognition
and
appreciation.
She
is
a
woman
who
lives
in
the
community
who
I
had
an
opportunity
to
meet
about
two
years
ago.
Who
is
what
I
would
consider
to
be
a
quiet,
giver,
she's,
always
behind
the
scenes?
She's
an
amazing
woman.
She
does
a
lot
for
the
community
in
which
she
lives
in
and
in
other
parts
of
the
community
as
well.
D
Although
she's
in
here
today,
I
will
make
sure
that
I
give
her
that
I
truly
want
to
give
her
is
one
of
the
brigade
shirts
to
let
her
know
that
without
the
generosity
that
she
has
given
us.
Programs
like
this
wouldn't
exist
so
she's,
an
amazing
woman,
I
would
just
let
you
know
her
name
is
Maura
and
one
day
you
will
meet
her.
So
thank
you.
D
D
E
E
I
want
you
guys
to
know
that
the
scholars
brigade
is
spelled
with
the
possessive
s
and
while
I
stand
here,
I
just
stand
in
the
front
as
a
shield
for
these
kings
and
queens.
Oh
I
want
you
guys
to
know
that
I'm,
so
proud
of
you
us
I,
want
you
to
know
that
this
whole
crowd
is
here
proud
of
you.
Us
men,
like
Melvin
H
King,
have
given
the
entirety
of
their
lives
to
you.
Us
so
don't
be
nervous.
Give
yourselves
break.
E
E
E
I'm
not
gonna,
take
too
much
time.
I
want
to
hand
it
over
to
two
young,
ladies
who
put
me
to
task
when
we
started
this
work
very
much
influenced
by
my
brother.
Don't
call
Esau
where
you
at
dark,
or
is
he
good,
dark
or
yeah
very
much
influenced
by
you
brother,
but
we
started
this
work.
It
was
for
young
men
and
women.
Excuse
me
young
men
of
color
brown,
black
and
brown
boys,
and
a
lot
of
you
scholars
put
me
on
notice
and
say
we
all
need
the
same
love
us.
E
F
Good
morning,
everybody
good
morning
scholars
we
think
mr.
mell
hugs
King
and
his
wife
miss
Joyce
King
for
sharing
a
special
day
with
us.
We
are
honored
by
their
presence
and
we
hold
them
dear
in
our
hearts.
We
will
not
take
too
much
time,
but
we
feel
is
important
that
we
thank
you.
Mr.
a
mr.
King
for
all
of
your
hard
work
and
dedication
as
a
hero
of
the
people.
We
realized
that
a
hero
is
a
mortal
man
or
woman
who
is
aware
of
the
dangers
involved
yet
acts
to
save
those
need.
F
He
does
not
abuse
his
power
but
uses
it
to
assist
perfect
strangers.
If
and
if
nothing
else,
a
hero
is
one
whose
integrity
stands
the
test
of
time.
It
is
difficult
to
imagine
a
person
more
deserving
of
honoring
than
Melvin
H
King,
a
person
for
whom
the
title
of
a
hero
is
not
in
the
saturation
the
child
of
immigrants.
Mr.
King
was
born
and
raised
in
South,
End
and
educated
in
Boston
Public
Schools.
He
lettered
he
later
rose
to
serve
in
the
Massachusetts
literature.
F
One
of
his
amazing
achievements
was
to
lead
protests
that
led
to
the
buildings
of
tent
city
apartments
for
low-income
people
in
the
south
and
just
blocks
from
here.
Mr.
King,
you
have
shown
us
that,
in
order
to
affect
change,
we
must
organize
with
black
lines.
We
must
develop
a
generation
that
understands
the
value
of
community
education
responsibility.
You
once
said
we
start
of
element
in
human
terms.
What
I
hear
people
talking
about
now
is
in
a
brick
and
mortar
term.
Development
must
be
about
people
us.
G
Moe
King
has
recognized
the
power
that
people
gain
through
developing
their
skills
and
has
established
itself
in
technology,
consented
to
provide
free
computer
training
for
low-income
people,
mr.
King,
when
he
stepped
further
and
researched
them
in
the
kingly
schools,
creating
a
partnership
that
brought
the
bps
its
first
Fablab.
The
brief
description
can
never
do
him.
Justice
do
him
justice,
nor
have
we
spoken
of
his
historic
mayoral
race,
in
which
he
was
the
first
african-american
to
run
any
final
election
bid
for
mayor.
We
could
go
on
about
as
many
accomplishments.
G
Instead,
we
would
simply
like
to
say.
Thank
you,
sir.
In
order
to
recognize
the
heroic
greatness
of
your
works,
the
McKinley
school
has
created
this
admit
amazing,
mural
as
to
honor,
and
recognize
the
enormous
contributions
that
mr.
King
made
to
the
people
of
the
city
of
Boston.
You
are
truly
incomparable
exemplar
of
the
hero.
Your
love
has
caused
a
chain
reaction
of
change.
We
are
links
to
links
in
that
chain
of
change.
Your
example
has
served
to
inspire
a
new
generation
who
will
someday
become
heroes
in
our
own
right.
Thank
you
again.
Mr.
H
I'll
go
great
respect:
I
am
a
scholar,
learning
the
skills
necessary
to
build,
maintain
and
progress.
My
community
and
myself
I
am
prepared
to
put
my
best
efforts
towards
these
goals.
I
will
never
surrender
to
the
forces
of
negativity.
I
will
resist
these
forces
and
encourage
my
comrades
to
do
likewise.
If
I
should
falter
and
find
myself
and
negative
circumstance,
I
will
persevere.
Knowing
that
all
experiences
are
lessons
to
a
scholar,
I
will
be
faithful
to
my
responsibilities
as
a
scholar.
H
Learning
from
these
lessons
that
I,
like
hands
meet
I
will
show
respect
and
fulfill
the
responsibilities
that
I
all
towards
my
community
and
myself.
I
will
keep
myself
and
those
around
me
safe
by
making
wise
choices.
I
will
show
kindness
and
respect
to
who
I
encounter
in
order
to
demonstrate
my
own
values
and
self-worth.
I
will
use
my
knowledge
as
the
primary
means
to
gain
control
over
myself
as
well
as
my
life
I
will
rise
to
meet
my
full
potential.
I
I'm
a
person
who
intends
to
help
the
younger
generation
reach
their
full
potential.
I
will
not
underestimate
the
potential
of
the
young
people
who
I
serve
I,
respect
them
and
call
on
them
to
respect
me.
I
will
be
respectable,
I
will
both
teach
them
and
learn
from
them.
I
will
work
to
the
best
of
my
abilities
at
whatever
I
apply
myself
to
I
will
work
in
the
spirit
of
unity
with
my
colleagues,
and
my
community
I
will
hold
myself
accountable.
I
will
take
initiative.
Thank
you.
K
I
grew
older
by
links
in
huge.
It
was
a
long
time
ago.
I
have
almost
forgotten
my
dream,
but
it
was
there
then
in
front
of
me
right,
like
a
son,
my
dream,
and
then
the
wall
rose
rose
slowly
between
me
and
my
dreams,
Rosen
to
the
touch
the
sky,
the
wall,
shadow
I,
am
black.
I
lie
down
in
the
shadow,
no
longer
the
light
of
my
dream
before
me.
Above
me,
only
the
thick
wall,
only
the
shadow,
my
hands,
my
dark
hands
break
through
the
wall,
find
my
dream.
J
E
We
realized
that
a
hero
is
a
mortal
man
or
woman
who
was
aware
of
the
dangers
she
had
acts
to
save
others
in
need.
He
does
not
abuse
his
power
but
uses
it
to
assist
perfect
strangers.
If
nothing
else,
a
hero
is
one
whose
integrity
stands
the
test
of
time.
Nothing
embodies
this
like
the
defiance
of
Africans
who
risked
life
and
limb
for
one
another
to
save
one
another
from
bondage.
This
poem
by
Jean
Toomer
reflects
this
heroism.
It's
called
song
of
the
Sun,
but
we
adapted
it.
E
We
call
it
song
of
the
sons
and
daughters
us
pour
Oh,
pour
that
parting
soul
in
song
all
pour
it
in
the
sawdust
glow
of
night
into
the
Velvet
Pines
smoke
air
tonight
and
let
the
valley
carry
it
along:
oh
land
and
soil,
red
soil
and
sweet
gum
tree,
so
scant
of
grass,
so
profligate
of
pines.
Now,
just
as
an
epoch,
sons
decline,
thy
sons,
thy
daughters
in
time,
I
have
returned
to
thee
thy
daughters.
E
Thy
son
I
have
in
time
returned
to
thee
in
time,
for,
though
the
Sun
is
setting
on
a
song
'let
race
of
slaves.
It
has
not
set,
though
late
old
soil.
It
is
not
too
late
yet
to
catch
the
plaintive
soul,
leaving
soon
gone,
leaving
to
catch
their
plaintive
soul.
Soon
gone
only
grow
slaves,
dark
purple,
ripened
plums,
squeezed
and
bursting
in
the
Pinewood
air
passing
before
they
stripped
the
old
tree
bare
one
plum
was
saved.
E
E
I
would
ask
the
whole
brigade
to
come
into
corn
from
formation
right
now
into
your
lines.
Ron
is
going
to
speak,
but
we're
going
to
stand
up
here
with
Ron
and
we're
going
to
give
credit
to
this
problem.
Us
captains
help
people
get
to
where
they
are
elders.
I
want
to
say
that
we've
overcome
a
lot
to
get
here
us
some
of
these
young
people.
E
Inspired
by
you,
mr.
King
have
overcome
great
anxiety,
great
social
anxiety
and
nervousness,
but
it's
important
that
we
honor
our
kings
us
and
it's
important
that
we
say
thank
you
to
people
to
their
faces
us.
We
do
not
need
permission
to
say
thank
you
to
create
our
own
holidays
and
to
honor
our
own
heroes.
Us
and
Ron
is
a
hero
because
he's
overcome
a
lot
to
get
up
here.
L
As
a
kid,
I
was
negative,
angry
and
I
was
looked
at
as
the
troubled
kid
in
my
family.
I
would
sit
at
home
and
watch
cartoons.
I
would
see
men
in
capes
and
costumes
rescue
people
and
save
them.
Where
was
my
hero?
Where
was
my
saving?
Where
was
my
hero?
I
eventually
did
find
them.
They
run
on
Cartoon
Network
or
on
my
TV.
L
At
one
point,
I
had
a
particularly
hard
time
and
I
ended
up
studying
and
reading
the
heroes
that
saved
me
were
real
men,
a
woman
that
paved
the
way
to
become
the
young
man.
That
I
am
today
real
men
and
women,
and
that
were
trailblazers.
That
made
me
feel
I
could
be
anyone
real
men
and
woman.
They
that
are
heroes,
though
they
are
heroes
among
us.
E
A
So
at
this
time,
I'm
going
to
open
the
mic
to
a
few
people
who
want
to
share
some
reflections
or
to
offer
their
well
wishes
to
mr.
King,
and
the
first
of
these
will
be
headmaster
of
elysia
Saunders,
followed
by
former
representative
Sanjay
Graham
former
mayor
ray
Flynn,
Kavita
Fontana's,
I,
hope
I
said
that
right,
that's
a
very
close
friend
of
the
King
family
and
dr.
A
N
Thank
you
Miss
Scott,
good
morning.
Everyone
so,
first
and
foremost,
I
want
to
say
that
I
am
honored
to
be
able
to
stand
before
all
of
you
to
reflect
upon
my
and
our
school
communities,
relationship
with
mr.
mell
hugs
King,
and
to
be
able
to
give
him
our
well
wishes
on
his
89th
birthday.
This
is
an
incredible
day,
because
a
life
of
heroism
is
what
we
are
celebrating.
N
It's
important
to
say
that
this
thoughtful
gesture
was
conceived
and
organized
by
the
scholars,
Brigade
scholars
and
staff
who
would
love
volunteered
their
talents
and
time
to
honor
Mel
HUDs
King.
Mr.
King
has
helped
inspire
McKinley
students
to
see
heroes
within
themselves
as
I
reflect
upon
my
relationship
and
our
partnership
with
mr.
Kane.
Several
words
come
to
mind.
The
first
word
is
inspirational.
N
Mr.
King
has
inspired
me
to
continuously
advocate
for
access
for
all
McKinley
students,
his
tenacity
over
the
years
to
ensure
that
our
school
community,
our
McKinley
students,
have
access
to
technology
which
has
inspired
our
students
to
think
outside
of
the
box
in
regards
to
the
possibilities
of
their
future.
The
second
word
is
passionate.
Mr.
Kings
passion
is
transparent
in
everything
that
he
does,
particularly
in
serving
and
providing
opportunities
for
his
community.
He
has
been
an
advocate
for
others
for
many
many
years.
N
N
Mr.
Kang's
dedication
passion
continues
to
be
inspirational
to
all
of
us,
and
anyone
who
has
had
the
pleasure
of
just
merely
being
in
his
presence
words
cannot
express
how
much
I
admire
and
aspire
to
be
like
this
incredible
man.
For
me,
our
scholars,
Brigade
and
our
school
community
as
a
whole.
You,
mr.
King
epitomize
our
definition
of
a
living
hero.
So
in
wishing
free
so
and
wishing
for
your
search
so
and
wishing
for
your
service
and,
most
importantly,
your
birthday
I
will
leave
you
with
this
poem.
N
Wishing
you
a
happy
day
when
that
brings
you
smiles
all
along
the
way
and
leaves
you
feeling
good
inside,
for
this
is
what
I
pray,
because
someone
as
special
as
you
deserves
life's
every
luxury
for
all
the
love
and
joy.
You
bring
to
grateful.
People
like
me,
may
each
day
be
blessed
with
all
sorts
of
wonderful
things,
like
the
comfort
of
love
and
the
joy
of
hope
and
the
warmth
that,
having
a
good
friend
brings,
may
your
tomorrows
be
carefree.
N
Free
from
worries
and
fairs
may
each
moment
be
magical
lasting
through
the
years
may
this
day
finds
you
well
as
you
cross
our
mind,
and
may
you
know
that
you're,
an
important
person
in
our
lives,
happy
birthday,
mr.
King
and
my
entire
school
community
are
honored
and
believe
that
we
are
better.
Having
had
the
opportunity
to
be
blessed
with
your
presence.
Thank
you.
O
Hello
Mel,
how
are
you
happy
birthday?
I
just
want
to
tell
you
a
little
side
of
Mel
that
I
know.
Mel
was
about
22
years
old.
When
he
came
to
the
Cambridge
community
center
I
live
in
Cambridge.
He
came
to
the
Cambridge
community
center.
He
was
our
counselor
at
the
community
center
and
you
know
he
just
thought
he
had
it
all.
You
know
telling
us
what
to
do
and
everything.
But
let
me
tell
you
when
it
would
was
time
to
close
that
Center
down.
He
had
to
find
us.
O
He
had
to
look
in
the
girls
bathroom
everywhere
in
the
center
cuz
we
wasn't
leaving,
we
gave
Milt
melih
fit,
but
he
loved
it
and
he
worked
with
us,
and
that
was
my
first
introduction
to
Mel
and
then
one
day
I
walked
into
the
State.
House
I
had
been
elected
state
representative
at
that
time,
and
my
first
day
in
the
State
House
Mel
looked
at
me
and
said:
oh,
my
god,.
O
If
he
is
but
anyways,
we
had
a
good
time
in
the
Statehouse.
We
did
a
lot
of
good
things
in
the
Statehouse.
Mel
was
a
leader.
We
took
the
direction
from
Mel,
we
enacted
many
pieces
of
legislation,
the
developed,
the
Community
Development
Corporation,
which
gave
money
to
minority
businesses
to
stock
their
business.
The
death
penalty,
affirmative
action,
abortion,
you
name
it.
We
were
there
and
we
spoke
on
the
floor
of
the
house.
O
We
instituted
the
but
the
black
Policy
Institute
at
UMass
Boston,
but
one
day
Mel
went
away
and
I
think
he
was
in
Cuba
at
the
time,
and
one
of
his
colleagues
happened
to
take
the
money
from
the
Roxbury
District
Court
I,
don't
know
who
called
Mel
in
told
Mel,
but
before
we
knew
it.
Mel
was
back
in
the
State
House
and
Doris
and
I
was
sitting
there
and
we
was
talking
and
Mel
was
going
to
see
the
speaker.
O
O
The
speaker
kind
of
was
surprised,
so
he
said
well,
I
didn't
do
it.
He
said
this
person
did
it
so
Mel
turns
and
and
he's
walking.
You
know
you
got
long
legs,
Doris
and
I
a
four
feet:
11
and
I
legs
a
shot
he's
going
down
the
hallway
and
we're
saying
mmmm
wait
up.
So
we
go
into
the
person's
office
who
took
the
money
out
of
the
budget
and
he
said,
put
my
money
back.
He
said,
I,
don't
touch
yourself,
Boston
courthouse!
O
You
don't
touch
my
Roxbury
courthouse
and
let
me
tell
you
that
colleague
got
up
out
of
the
chair.
I
thought
he
was
gonna.
Have
a
heart
attack,
Mel
leaned
across
I
thought
he
was
gonna
grab
the
guy,
but
he
just
leaned
across
the
deaths.
In
total
you
don't
play
with
my
Roxbury
District
Court
and
that
money
went
back
into
the
budget.
Those
are
some
of
the
fights
that
we
had
and
Mel
was
right
there,
no
matter
what
and
I
believe
one
day
I
ran
into
Louise
day.
O
O
Mel
had
big
stature:
not
only
was
he
tall,
he
had
stature
people
loved
him,
they
believed
in
him.
We
worked
with
him
and
we
worked
against
liberals
in
the
State
House.
We
thought
they
were
liberals
but
come
to
find
out.
They
weren't
liberals,
but
anyways
Mel
was
there
and
I
am
so
appreciative
of
him
being
there
at
the
time.
I
was
there
because
he
taught
me
a
lot.
He
taught
me
how
to
deal
with
some
of
the
stuff
that
goes
on
behind
closed
doors
and
believe
me.
O
It
all
goes
on
behind
closed
doors
when
it
comes
out
into
the
light
you
gotta
fight
it,
but
he
was
always
there
and
he
always
voted
on
the
right
side
of
the
issue.
So
I
just
want
to
thank
Mel
for
all
his
years
of
serving
his
community
and
he
loves
Boston
and
he
loves
the
selfless
out.
Then
we
couldn't
get
him
out
of
the
South
End
if
we
tried,
but
he
loved
Boston
and
he
fought
for
Boston
and
in
return
you
kids
need
to
understand.
O
P
P
This
is
where
Mel,
King
and
I
used
to
play
basketball
here
at
English,
high
school
together
in
the
South
in
South
Boston
boys
club
in
Mel,
King
and
I
served
together,
and
the
legislature
is
mayor,
Walsh
said,
but
the
election
that
I'm
referring
to
was
the
campaign
was
far
more
significant
than
the
election
results
itself.
It's
kind
of
hard
to
understand.
P
But
what
happened
was
that
was
a
defining
campaign
in
the
most
troubled
time
of
Boston's
history,
which
brought
the
city
together
like
no
legislation,
administration
or
politician
could
ever
do
I
said
some
milking
after
the
election
of
1983
I.
Didn't
win
that
election
Mel
King
didn't
lose
the
election.
The
people
of
Boston
won
that
election.
They
won
that
election
because
was
they.
It
was
the
most
spirited
campaign,
but
think
about
it.
P
P
So
when
he's
historians
are
looking
at
the
election
results,
think
of
this
man,
more
so
than
anybody
in
my
lifetime
brought
help
bring
this
city
together
and
I
was
so
proud
to
be
part
of
that,
so
that
uniting
of
Boston
people
for
the
first
time
could
walk
down
the
streets.
People
from
South
Boston,
South
End.
We
were
one
city
again,
not
perfect.
Of
course,
they'll
always
be
troubles
in
any
city,
but
people
like
Mel
King
helped
more
than
anybody
to
bring
that
city
together.
P
P
We
introduced
legislation
that
was
for
special
needs.
Children
at
the
time
special
needs
children
couldn't
go
to
school
in
Boston
I
had
to
take
my
nephew
and
his
family
down
to
situate
to
go
to
school.
We
introduced
legislation
was
called
special
education,
chaplains
766,
and
it
required
that
all
the
cities
and
towns
in
Massachusetts
had
to
provide
public
education
for
handicapped
and
special
needs.
Children
first
time
ever
in
the
history
of
Massachusetts
legislation
passed
Dave
Bodley
is
the
speaker.
Mike
Daley
was
the
the
Education
Committee
well
the
other
day.
P
Our
week
ago,
I
got
an
invitation
to
this
event.
You
didn't
remember
you
see
the
invitation
as
a
pitch
were
milking
on
it.
A
grandson
is
over
here.
You
probably
hear
him.
His
name
is
Braden.
Braden
saw
the
invitation
and
he
doesn't
speak
that
much,
but
he
points
it
to
the
invitation.
He
says
me,
which
means
that
he
knows
this
man
and
he
likes
this
man.
That's
his
way
of
expressing
himself.
The
reason
why?
Because
we
go
over
to
Mel's
place
of
business
and
we
hang
around
there
when
we
talk
to
Mel
all
the
time.
Q
Q
So
as
a
child
I
attended,
48
Rockland
streets,
the
settlement
house
improved
my
English
learned
how
to
negotiate
the
system,
and
it
really
know
who
made
a
difference.
In
my
life,
I
was
raised
in
a
very
strict
latina,
Porto
Rican
family.
There
were
three
places:
I
could
go.
One
was
the
South
End
library,
the
other
one
was
48
Rutland
Street
and
the
Art
Center,
and
because
of
Mel
I
met
a
wonderful
woman
named
Gladys
ghusl,
who
made
such
a
difference
in
my
being
able
to
realise
that
there
was
a
whole
world
out
there.
Q
I
was
one
of
the
first
Latinas
to
go
to
camp
winning
farm
from
USC
at
from
48
Rutland
speed,
not
even
USCS
in
those
days
so
Mel
I
just
want
to
thank
you.
My
English
has
got
better.
Obviously,
although
a
teacher
made
me
sit
on
my
hands
thinking
that
that
would
help
me
learn
English
and
to
stop
talking
with
my
hands.
I
did
learn
English,
but
I
still
talk
with
my
hands.
R
R
So
mal
would
say
that
the
village
is
here.
The
village
is
assembled,
my
name
is
Carolyn
Crockett
I
come
to
you
as
a
friend
of
the
King
family
as
a
resident
former
resident
of
this
neighborhood
as
a
worker
in
City
Hall
as
a
person
that
has
the
privilege
of
thinking
about
every
single
day.
How
does
this
city
have
the
opportunity
to
live
into
its
promise?
How
does
this
City
get
to
be
all
that
we
know
we
can
be
Mel
change.
Life
shows
all
of
us
that
this
is
a
long-distance
race.
It
is
not
a
sprint.
R
So
to
say,
happy
birthday
is
appropriate,
but
is
not
enough
right,
we'll
say
happy
birthday,
but
males
message
to
us
is
that
this
is
not
a
sprint.
It
is
a
long-distance
race.
There's
much
work
to
do
and
we
are
just
beginning.
I
share
a
quick
word
this
time
last
year,
males
start
to
think
a
little
bit
more
about
what
it
might
be
to
slow
down.
Maybe
he
was
saying
about
88
years
old.
She
said
you
know.
R
Maybe
I've
been
doing
all
this
work
at
the
Tech
Center
and
I
love
it,
but
maybe
you
know
start
to
think
about
something
else
and
I
said
so
Mel.
Are
you
tired?
Do
you
feel
like
you
want
to
sit
down?
Do
you
want
to
take
a
break?
Do
you
on
a
rest,
and
he
said
what
no
no
no
I
have
some
other
things.
I
want
to
do
and
I
said
other
things
that
you
want
to
do
like
what
and
he
had
a
whole
list
of
things.
R
So
this
is
a
wish
that,
for
all
of
us
that
are
in
this
race
running
long
and
hard
that
at
88
years
old,
you
still
have
a
long
to-do
list
at
89
and
so
on
and
so
forth.
It
is
so
appropriate
that
we
are
standing
here
in
a
gymnasium
right,
we're
about
to
dedicate
this
thing,
to
a
long-distance
runner
to
all
the
scholars,
we're
gay
folks
who
are
here,
the
young
people,
you
heard
mayor
Walsh,
say
earlier
that
everything
that
meant
that
Mel
King
has
done
is
for
you
is
for
all
of
us.
R
It's
so
true.
I
cannot
think
of
a
more
fitting
tribute
and
characterization
of
his
work
because
it
is
for
you.
It
is
for
all
of
us.
This
place
this
room,
that
we
come
to
not
just
to
work
out
but
to
vote
when
I
lived
in
the
south-
and
this
was
the
room.
I
came
in
to
cast
my
vote
for
what
I
wanted
to
see
happening
at
the
level
of
city,
the
state,
the
nation.
This
is
where
it
happens.
R
Dedicating
this
room
to
sweat,
to
vision,
to
heart
everything
Mel
King
has
touched,
including
me,
is
better
for
it
for
all
of
our
hearts
that
he
has
touched.
He
tells
us
that
is
not
about
the
power
of
love,
but
the
love
of
power.
You
heard
mayor
Flynn
come
and
talk
to
you
about
the
way
that
he
transformed
the
mayoral
race
of
1983
and
it
resonates
on
and
on
1981
Romero
wrote
the
chain
of
change
and
talked
about
how
each
of
us
is
a
link
in
the
change
that
is
all
of
us.
R
That
is
a
long
distance
race.
When
mayor
Walsh
got
up
and
talked
about
the
mentorship
of
Mel
King,
that
is
powerful.
That
means
that
his
work,
his
vision,
his
heart,
his
sweat,
continues
to
flow
through
this
city
every
day
through
this
gym
through
each
of
us,
through
City
Hall,
through
the
Commonwealth
through
through
the
legislature
and
through
our
hearts,
happy
birthday
now
King.
Thank
you.
So
much.
S
Good
afternoon,
I'd
like
to
start
off
by
giving
a
special
shout
out
to
the
committee
that
helped
make
this
celebration
happen
today,
especially
correct
Carissa
Budd,
who
had
to
leave
karema
Scott
Eunice
Pinkney,
who
actually
had
knee
surgery
just
so
you
know
about
a
month
ago,
but
you
know
Mike
Scott,
who
has
been
working
with
the
brigade
just
absolutely
phenomenal.
We
worked
to
serve
over
a
few
months,
but
we
got
it
done.