BOSTON (AP) — Retiring Rep. Barney Frank says former Mayor Kevin White was a political pioneer who opened up the Boston political system to African-Americans, women and gays, and pushed Frank to abandon plans to pursue an academic career and get into politics.
White died Friday at his Boston home. He was 82.
Frank, a liberal Democrat who worked for White in the City Hall for three years, describes him as Boston's "first modern mayor" who refused to let Interstate 95 run through the city because he wanted to protect low-income homes.
White led the city for 16 years, including during racially turbulent times in the 1970s.
His family announced that a public viewing is set for Tuesday and public funeral Mass is set for Wednesday.
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