About Mel King

On March 28th, 2023, we lost a great leader and gained a star to watch over us. Mel King passed away at the age of 94. For some of us, he was seen as the grandfather of Community Development. There is no greater leader than Mel King for our movement, from protecting displacement in the South End and organizing that led to the forming of Tent City, to working in coalition to define Community Development Corporations, Mel led with the voice of the community. He provided space for the community to participate in their future through organizing and building power. He created system change by forming agencies like CEDAC. He championed technology access and even contributed to culture by writing poetry. The Mel King Institute would not be here were it not for his vision, leadership, activism, and wisdom.

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In 2024, The Mel King Institute launched an exciting statewide initiative in which we examined Mel King’s legacy and thought leadership by (re)visiting his 1981 title, Chain of Change: Struggles For Black Community Development in a series of book clubs.  Although it was originally published in 1981, the ideas and observations King complied from his experience as an activist, public servant and community builder in this book are timeless. Therefore, Chain of Change can still be used today as a field guide on how to effectively build community, solidarity, and coalitions.

Learn more about Mel and the origins of the Mel King Institute HERE