John McKnight inspired communities and shaped future leaders

In the United States, John McKnight, a prominent figure in community development, passed away at the age of 92. Born in rural Ohio, McKnight became a key advocate for empowering local communities and was instrumental in founding the ABCD (Asset-Based Community Development) movement. His efforts began to gain recognition in the 1990s, particularly after the publication of his influential book in 1993, 'Building Communities from the Inside Out,' where he outlined the collaborative qualities inherent in communities. He established the ABCD Institute alongside Jody Kretzmann in 1995, aiming to educate and support community-driven initiatives. McKnight’s approach attracted many followers, including future political figures Barack and Michelle Obama, whom he mentored during their community organizing efforts in Chicago. McKnight's methodology revolved around countering the detrimental effects that professional agencies had on community self-reliance. He argued that external agencies often