[ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON OCTOBER 23, 2017] SOUTH END — Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, former Mayor Ray Flynn, and numerous other city officials, South End residents, and students turned out recently at the McKinley School for a birthday celebration to recognize community leader/author/former politician Mel King.

Called a “Son of the South End,” King is perhaps best remembered as a community leader who challenged Flynn in 1983 to be Boston’s mayor after then Mayor Kevin White announced he would not seek re-election. Far from the acrimony of today’s political climate, the election was seen as hard-fought, but fair.

Speaking at the party, Flynn said of King: “[I] think of this man, more so than anybody else in my lifetime, helped bring this city together.”

The event, of course, was closed out with cake.

All photos are by Bill Brett.

Mel King's 89th birthday celebration

Mel King and his wife, Joyce, and F. Michael Scott, president of Scholars Brigade, at a celebration. Photo by Bill Brett

Mel King's 89th birthday celebration

A birthday celebration was held at the McKinley School for Mel King. Photo by Bill Brett

Mel King's 89th birthday celebration

Photo by Bill Brett

Mel King's 89th birthday celebration

Mayor Marty Walsh with former Mayor Ray Flynn, his grandson, Braeden O'Doherty, and Mel King and his wife, Joyce. Photo by Bill Brett

Mel King's 89th birthday celebration

Mel and Joyce King. Photo by Bill Brett

Mel King's 89th birthday celebration

Former political opponents Ray Flynn and Mel King. Photo by Bill Brett

Mel King's 89th birthday celebration

Mel King. Photo by Bill Brett

Mel King's 89th birthday celebration

Students from the McKinley South End Academy. Photo by Bill Brett

Mel King's 89th birthday celebration

Mary Nee-Loftus. Photo by Bill Brett

Mel King's 89th birthday celebration

Mel King. Photo by Bill Brett