Rights Night 2009

Mel King Receives 2009 UUSC Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award

On December 10, 2009, UUSC honored local activist Mel King with the UUSC Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award. The award was presented at UUSC’s second annual Rights Nights, held on this occasion at Roxbury Community College in Boston. A leader on community issues for more than 50 years, King has served as an adjunct professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a state representative, a candidate for mayor of Boston, a candidate for U.S. Congress, and, above all, a community organizer. Approximately 150 community members attended the celebration, which included musical performances, a reading of one of King’s poems by a local youth, and an address by former Boston city councilor and mayoral candidate Sam Yoon.

The UUSC Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award pays tribute to individuals who have in their lifetimes demonstrated a resolve to confront unjust power structures and challenge oppressive policies. In addition, honorees hold their own humanity as inextricably linked with the dignity and worth of those on whose behalf they advocate. These criteria reflect the humanity and determination of Eleanor Roosevelt and the mission of UUSC.