A social worker who became the first black elected official in his Massachusetts home town for 80 years has credited his Bermudian parents for the historic victory.

Khrystian King — a distant relative of former Premier Craig Cannonier — captured a Worcester City Council seat after Tuesday’s municipal election.

As part of mayor Joseph Petty’s administration, he will attempt to tackle the serious problem of gang violence in the city among other goals.

Mr King said his father, Leon A King I from Bailey’s Bay, inspired him as a child with tales of Ottiwell Simmons, activist and former president of the Bermuda Industrial Union.

“My dad would tell me how Otti fought for things like fair wages, healthcare and local jobs for local people,” he said. “I also watched him reach back and help others from the Island when he was a young man.”

Mr King explained how his father married his mother — substance abuse counsellor June-Glorie Preece from Dock Hill Road — in a Southampton Seventh-day Adventist church.

After having their first son, Leon A King II, in Pembroke, the young couple moved to Massachusetts in the mid-1960s to continue their studies at Atlantic Union College.

Khrystian was born the third of three sons after middle brother Kym, who now serves as a Major in the United States Army.

“I’m extremely proud of Khrystian,” said his brother Leon, who retains dual citizenship and now works as a civil rights attorney in Philadelphia.

“Our parents, who have both passed away, would have been very happy to know that he’s been successful in giving back.”

Mr King, who will be sworn in shortly after the New Year, entered the political realm after losing three friends to gun violence in his younger days.

“That made me decide to make a difference in this city,” he said.

The father of two will carry forward his work helping at-risk young people to reduce the social ills of New England’s second largest city.

The 44-year-old, who also serves as a union official, added that his win was especially important given America’s racially charged difficulties in recent times.

“The Government has to represent the people.

“I bring a community perspective that’s unique to Worcester, although I know that Bermuda is struggling with some of the same issues in terms of gang violence,” he said.

Mr King’s eldest daughter Jailyn looks set to carry on the family’s legacy of giving, as she is studying at Southern Adventist University in Tennessee for her Master’s degree in social work.

“Jailyn is continuing with the King and Preece families’ tradition of ensuring social justice, which they brought with them out of Bermuda,” said Mr King.

“I’m very proud of her.”