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 … Continue reading Engaging Through the Arts
A Major Shift
“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 … Continue reading A Major Shift
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, … Continue reading Mother to Mother
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 … Continue reading Culture & Politics
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 … Continue reading Sheneika for Asheville
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 … Continue reading Movement
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 … Continue reading Make Asheville Safe Campaign
A Positive Place for Connection
The April issue of the Urban News has a piece I wrote for Buncombe County about the Edington Center in the Southside neighborhood, a community center that truly nurtures community and overflows with heart and hope. For this story, I got to … Continue reading A Positive Place for Connection
April’s Array
This April will offer an array of awesome events related to equity and inclusion in Asheville. A range of opportunities to listen to and learn from local (and national) African American and Latino leaders and creators. I’ve compiled a list of suggestions to … Continue reading April’s Array
Existing While Black
Today’s Mountain Xpress has a story I wrote… Mobilization through art: Local spoken-word artist creates a platform for dialogue about race “It is a one-woman spoken-word show, birthed out of frustration and realizing that a lot of things that I am involved … Continue reading Existing While Black