“On this year’s Dia De Los Muertos, we are remembering those killed by the Prison Industrial Complex. From jails to detention centers, police and ICE collaborations to the targeting of our people, we are lifting up the death-dealing realities in our local communities. Across the South, we are marching to mourn the lives we lost through incarceration, deportation, and state-sanctioned murder, to center ourselves and name who is responsible.” – Southerners on New Ground

SONG is organizing remembrance actions around the South. There will be an “Acción De Día De Los Muertos” at 6 pm at 133 3rd Ave W. in Hendersonville. Bring an offering for the altar.

VOTE!
If you live in Asheville, I encourage you to vote for Sheneika Smith and Kim Roney for Asheville City Council. Their platforms are aligned regarding equity, affordability, and efficient transit. Early voting is happening now, and Election Day is next Tuesday, November 7. Click here for poll locations and hours.

More Events

My Sistah Taught Me That Gospel Fest
“Join us for an evening or worship, praise, and celebration while supporting My Sistah Taught Me That. My Sistah Taught Me That owner, Leslie Council, is an Asheville Native who is not only passionate about this young girls’ mentoring program, but is also a singer and songwriter. She has put together a group of Asheville’s finest singers and musicians who will be the featured group at this first annual event.

Support My Sistah Taught Me That and come enjoy a great evening of music and fellowship on Friday, November 3rd at 6 pm at Tried Stone Missionary Baptist Church.  Tickets are only $10 in advance, and $15 at the door. Click here to purchase a ticket.”

Latitude & Longitude : 35*35’15.1” N – 82*33’16.6” W
“Latitude & Longitude, referring to geographical coordinates, is the upcoming exhibit from artist and curator Victor Palomino. The exhibition will focus on Buncombe County artists of various cultural backgrounds, races and genres. It will represent the diversity of our area and how the participating artists see our region. Conversation is invited regarding the concept of diversity from differing viewpoints within our local geography– the place where we live, create, and share our art. We will use the universal language of art as a way to create a safe space for questions and dialogue.

Join us for the opening reception, Friday, November 3 from 5 – 8 pm in the Asheville Area Arts Council Thom Robinson and Ray Griffin Exhibition Space. Artist talk will begin at 6:30 pm.”

LeftBehind
See “LeftBehind,” a stage play by Winnie’s Child Productions, Saturday November 4 at 7 pm at the the Grant Center, 285 Livingston St. The event will also feature local vendors.

Good News

African Americans in WNC and CoThinkk 
The African Americans in WNC and Southern Appalachia Conference was a smashing success. Click here to read a Storify compilation of tweets from the conference, it has tons of great info. The conference culminated at the CoThinkk Awards Event, which was one of the most inspiring gatherings I’ve attended in awhile. The leaders and initiatives celebrated truly are making our community a more equitable, inclusive, and healing place. My heart was bursting the whole time. Click here for a write up about the event on the Xpress website, and here to watch a JMPRO TV video of the night.

Southside Arts & Agriculture Center
This is such great big news! “Green Opportunities (GO) has received a two-year, $200,000 grant from The Kresge Foundation to support the Southside Arts & Agricultural Center project…The purpose of the Southside Arts & Agricultural Center project is to support healing, restoring, and reclaiming community culture, support emerging leaders, grow food, and incubate economic development. The Center will celebrate black culture, creativity, arts and agriculture. Specifically, this grant will provide funding for the Southside Community Garden as well as the renovation of the auditorium in the Arthur R. Edington Education and Career Center. The Housing Authority will raise the remaining funds required for the auditorium renovation.” Click here for the full press release.

New Logo!
Finally, I’m pleased to share my new logo, created by my talented sweetie, Jason Krekel. Thank you, Jason!

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