Mel King, a co-founder of the Green-Rainbow Party, died on March 28, 2023, at the age of 94. He was a respected and renowned politician in the Boston area for over 70 years.

In 2002, Mel King and members of the Massachusetts branch of the Rainbow Coalition merged with the Green Party of Massachusetts to form the Green-Rainbow Party (GRP). "A giant tree has fallen in the forest of humanity," said David Barkley, who continues Mel King's community breakfasts. The current members of the GRP party remain grateful for the commitment and grace that Mel King brought to civil rights and diversity throughout his life.