The city pays tribute today to the life and legacy of Melvin ‘Mel’ King, an activist and civil rights leader who changed the shape of Boston.

“Mel had broken down so many walls and barriers in our city in his work as a public servant, as an activist, a father, a husband, a poet, a trailblazer,” said Mayor Michelle Wu during a wreath-laying ceremony Monday at City Hall. “He dreamed for the city. He challenged us to fight for that dream. And to do so with the all-encompassing power of love. Mel taught us how to serve, how to build, how to love, and how to envision a Boston that could truly be a home to everyone.”

Watch today’s funeral service, billed as a “homecoming celebration” live from the Union United Methodist Church in Boston’s South End starting at noon.

To watch directly on Boston City TV’s YouTube channel, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URe8BBaK4Pc

Coverage of Mel King:

Tributes pour in for civil-rights leader Mel King, dead at 94

Battenfeld: Mayoral candidate Mel King was ahead of his time, influenced generations

Boston honors the legacy of Mel King at City Hall wreath laying ceremony

City buildings to light up in rainbow colors in honor of Mel King

Beloved Boston civil rights icon and activist Mel King dies, 94