Boston civil rights icon and community organizer Mel King died Tuesday. He was 94.

King was a trailblazing advocate and political activist. He ran three times for a seat on the Boston School Committee, in 1961, 63 and 65,  losing each time, but he won a seat in the legislature, serving as state representative from 1973 to 1982.

In 1983 he ran for mayor, becoming the first Black candidate to advance to the final election in Boston. He ultimately lost to Ray Flynn, but his campaign gave rise to the Rainbow Coalition, a political model subsequently used by Jesse Jackson, according a History Makers biography of King.

Tributes to King are pouring in from around Boston.

“This groundbreaking, truth telling, unapologetic advocate fought tirelessly for his community. His impact is felt all over our great city,” said U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Rachael Rollins. “So honored to have learned from him. May his legacy live on.”

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said in a statement, “For decades, Mel King taught us all how to serve, how to build and how to love. His impact and legacy stretch across the boundaries of neighborhoods, race, class and status.  His transformative ideas have shaped generations of organizers and leaders who  are diving us closer toward his vision today.”

King taught at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he created the Community Fellows Program in the Department of Urban Planning and Development. He served as adjunct professor in the department until 1996.

King went on to found the South End Technology Center whose mission is “ to facilitate the use of emerging technologies in ways that encourage people to become innovators and producers, to tell their own stories,” according to its website.

“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,” said Sen. Ed Markey in a statement.

– Developing