Ami Worthen

June 22, 2017

Trauma and Healing

The news these days is heartbreaking. As oppression has always been. My skin color means I will never fully understand the trauma of racism. My heart calls me to feel as much as I can, and to be of service as I can. My friend Lucia White posted these important words on Facebook yesterday, “Let…

June 16, 2017

Holding History

Who shapes our memory? As my long-time readers know, I have a strong interest in history. Like many others, I believe understanding history is key to understanding our present, and essential if we are to create new frameworks for the future. Recently, three African American history stories came to my attention. How we hold history…

June 8, 2017

Disrupt and Dismantle

Public art and monuments can influence the collective narrative. They can provoke new possibilities or perpetuate old systems. They can impact identity and self-perception. Today I am reflecting on the public art of the When Women Disrupt tour and on Confederate monuments, including Asheville’s own Vance monument. When Women Disrupt was “a tour of street art and…

May 31, 2017

Engaging Through the Arts

It is my belief that the arts are essential for healing and transformation, that it takes creativity and creative expression to bring new paradigms into being. In that spirit, today’s post focuses on local arts-related events and news. So much goodness! I am looking forward to an inspiring week (and beyond). Kibwe: A Marionette Puppet…

May 25, 2017

A Major Shift and More

“It was one of the most interesting meetings I’ve seen in a long, long time. And honestly, it did feel like something major had shifted. There were years when no one commented during budget public hearing. I don’t think that will ever happen again and think what we saw last night will be a lot…

Mother to Mother

The Buncombe County section in the May Urban News has a story written by Lisa Eby and myself about an inspiring group of African American women who are becoming neighborhood-based doulas. It was such a treat to get to meet Nikita Smart, Asheville is lucky to have her. Here’s the text: A new initiative is tipping the scales…

May 10, 2017

Culture & Politics

Today I’m sharing a list of cultural and political tidbits. Ministry of Hats: This month’s Bold Life Magazine‘s has a great cover story about Sandra Suber, owner of Ianodell’s Hat Shop in Mills River. “Though the church-hat tradition hasn’t caught on with the younger generation, Suber still sees a niche for her business. ‘So many churches…

May 4, 2017

Sheneika for Asheville

This is very exciting news for the city that I am happy to share: May 4, 2017 (Asheville, NC) – Today Sheneika Smith announces her campaign for a seat on Asheville City Council. She is a registered Democrat seeking one of three seats in this year’s non-partisan race. Sheneika, a fourth generation Asheville native, is…

April 27, 2017

Movement

Shifts are happening. There is movement. Opportunities for action. We are all a part of this. Energy towards equity. Eyes and ears on inclusion. Hearts open to healing. Standing for justice. Today’s post includes some relevant stories and events. Thanks for tuning in. What Could We Do With A Million Dollars? Recently, Asheville Police Chief Tammy…

April 19, 2017

Make Asheville Safe Campaign

Last week, Compañeros Inmigrantes de las Montañas en Acción – CIMA launched the Make Asheville Safe campaign. From their announcement: “This comes at a time when marginalized communities are being targeted by the current administration and by our state’s legislature. We believe that this is a concrete way that businesses in Asheville can show their solidarity…

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