CBD (cannabis) for curing cash bail and other ills
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a chemical compound from the cannabis plant that is used to treat physical pain and other ailments. Looking at the history of cannabis since it was outlawed in the U.S., our hearts can understand why resources … Continue reading CBD (cannabis) for curing cash bail and other ills
White women and the schools
Being one myself, I often wonder about white women* and how we operate in community. While we are each unique, many of us follow similar patterns of behavior. Patterns shaped by being socialized in a society built on patriarchy and … Continue reading White women and the schools
Reckoning with cultural extraction
Our economy was built on the genocide of Indigenous people and the violent extraction of labor from enslaved Africans. This cruelty was justified by white people’s created illusion that those we killed, stole from, and enslaved were inferior and that … Continue reading Reckoning with cultural extraction
Answers for Asheville’s Black children
We have an education emergency in Asheville. Our dismal 2019 Youth Justice Project “Racial Equity Report Card” shows extreme academic and disciplinary disparities in our schools. It documents a clear lack of justice for Black students. These disparities are the … Continue reading Answers for Asheville’s Black children
Repairing narratives: old-time and bluegrass music
Today I add my voice to the chorus of people singing the true story of old-time and bluegrass music. It is a marvelously multicultural story, wrought with pain and possibility. We call for the repair of false and incomplete narratives … Continue reading Repairing narratives: old-time and bluegrass music
Many Ashevilles
There are many Ashevilles. As I write this on Sunday morning, so far this weekend I have experienced beauty and power at Southside Rising’s Black Nativity: Liberation Holiday and Nuestro Centro‘s annual Posada. This afternoon I’ll attend the 2nd Annual My Sistah … Continue reading Many Ashevilles
Resist I-26
Cars are not our future. Or they are our future, if we want to continue to be out of synch with the earth and to plunge deeper into environmental devastation. The NCDOT’s proposed plans for the I-26 Connector through Asheville … Continue reading Resist I-26
Culture Cultivators
Asheville has long been known as a cultural and creative hot spot, or “vortex,” as you will. This is certainly an aspect of our city I celebrate. I am currently half way through writing four articles for the Mountain Xpress … Continue reading Culture Cultivators
Fortify the Fortifying
Discouragement and despair wash up on the shores of my psyche daily. The dissonant banging of construction outside my window shakes my concentration and my confidence in the possibility of positive change. Tuning into the news crumbles my courage. Optimism … Continue reading Fortify the Fortifying
Write-a-Thon to Support Other Writers
Please Sponsor Me! I am participating in the 5th annual Mountain of Words Write-A-thon to support the work of Asheville Writers in the Schools & Community. My personal goal is to raise $250 and I am hoping that you will help … Continue reading Write-a-Thon to Support Other Writers
Ami Worthen 