As a person who cares about the collective narrative, the first WNC Wikipedia Record-and-Edit-a-Thon, which will be held this Saturday, is an event that I think is super important. It’s being presented by the Baird Family Reunion, the oldest black family reunion in the country (and a family which includes some dear friends of mine as well as Roberta Flack). I hope you can make it, and can bring an elder with you!

AfroCROWD: Wikipedia Record-and-Edit-a-Thon
Hosted by the Baird Family Reunion

When: Saturday, September 1, 1 pm – 3 pm (may run longer)
Where: Habitat Tavern & Commons, 174 Broadway Street
Contact: Darold Cuba

Share the diverse stories of Western North Carolina with the world by participating in the first WNC Wikipedia Record-and-Edit-a-Thon. Bring in artifacts and cultural stories to share. Volunteers will be on hand to teach you how to record oral histories and edit Wikipedia.

“Wikipedia Record-and-Edit-a-thons are happening all over the US in an effort to write marginalized people into the 6th most used url in the world. By one study 8.5% of wiki writers are female and only 1% are transgender with the majority of entries coming from Europe and North America. This is an opportunity include the individuals and institutions from WNC with a wider experience by gender, race, ethnicity, and more,” says Deborah Miles of the UNC Asheville Center for Diversity Education.

This free event is being hosted by the Baird Family 121st Reunion, the oldest “black” family reunion in the country, with support from AfroCROWD, Whoseknowledge?, and UNC Asheville’s Center for Diversity Education.

All are welcome.  Click here to register.

Bring a laptop if you have one.

Urgent Call to Action

From Ashley Cooper: “Will you write a letter to NC State Attorney General Josh Stein ASAP? A sample letter and how to file is in this link. I have been informed about more details regarding the potentially $1 Billion dollar Trust that is being set up as a result of the sale of Mission Hospital. This trust will be responsible for oversight of the terms of sale and distribution of funds to help with social determinants of health in an 18 county region. The first 6 members of the Board are current and past Mission Health Board Chairs. This could be over half of the final board numbers. This is both potentially a conflict of interest and the process for appointing the board members is lacking any community involvement. The Fund would serve 18 counties, with a broad spectrum of varying urban and rural needs. It is essential that the process for forming this board is one that builds trust and yields a diverse set of board members that can actually implement the monumental goals of Dogwood Trust.