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Heather Cook is a life-long Bostonian, born into eminent domain and urban renewal at the original site of Tent City, where she was raised by parents who were resolute leaders in the community and under the tutelage of legendary civil rights activist, Mel King. In addition to serving as Founder and CEO of the South End Brunch Club/Mel King Brunch and Tent City Tenant Association, she is a national activist for housing and award winning advocate for social justice and community empowerment, Heather previously served as Co-Director of the Boston People’s Reparations Commission. Her steadfast commitment to affordable housing, equity, and justice has garnered mainstream media attention nationwide.

Heather is a mother, foster parent, activist, community organizer, and consulting corporate strategist who has 25 years of working experience with Fortune 100 corporations in Boston. As CEO of the South End Brunch Club/Mel King Brunch, she strategically leads the organization’s mission of community engagement, education, and preserving the legacy and blueprint of Mel King.

Edwin Sumpter is a native Bostonian from Dorchester, Edwin has worked in a grassroot capacity in the community for decades. Edwin has worked as a writer for the Boston Greater News and the People’s Voice newspapers. Formally, he held the position as co-director of the Boston People’s Reparations Commission and led an initiative as a leading voice to ensure Fenway Park Summer Concert Series better reflected the racial make-up of Boston. He is a Consulting Publicist and social media influencer whose dedication to community has made him accessible to assist within our beloved community. His responsibilities with the South End Brunch Club include media contact, public relations, social media outreach, hosting, moderating and event programming.