Knowledge is Power
Here is a story I wrote for this week’s Mountain Xpress. Please note that the workshop and job fair had to be postponed at the last minute, but the Professional Mixer is on for this Saturday. Working Relationships It might not surprise Vernon White II’s former teachers and classmates at T.C. Roberson High that this two-time MVP, who was awarded a full basketball scholarship to N.C. A&T State University, is once again tackling a challenge with his trademark persistence, energy and enthusiasm. With a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine and a new position at Eaton Corp., White could have chosen … Continue reading Knowledge is Power
Important Conversations at the Burton Street Community Center
I received this announcement from InterActivism (photo from Spirit House): Hood Talk is a series of cultural organizing events rooted in addressing the issues and concerns communities of color face in Asheville. All events are FREE with childcare provided. Join us is growing this movement and helping people help themselves and affirm their voices. Upcoming events at the Burton Street Community Center, 134 Burton St.: “The House I Live In” film showing Discussion on the War on Drugs and the Prison Industrial Complex Friday, March 14th 5-7:30PM Spirit House (from Durham) Workshop Training and cultural organizing for communities on police violence and … Continue reading Important Conversations at the Burton Street Community Center
Hood Talk This Thursday
The first in a series of “Hood Talk” events happens this week. The focus of the series is to raise awareness of the challenges faced in African American neighborhoods and in public housing communities in Asheville, which are predominantly African American. The conversations will also address solutions to these challenges. From the organizers: Developing positive energy to restore greater communication and strength throughout our community in Asheville, from the North, South, East, and West. Come join us at the Burton St Community Center this Thursday 2.27.14 from 6 to 8 pm as we hear from caring folks from several neighborhoods … Continue reading Hood Talk This Thursday
South Asheville Cemetery Events
Here are flyers for two events this week related to the South Asheville Cemetery – a history presentation and a work day. “For nearly 100 years — from the 1840s until it was closed in the mid-1940s — South Asheville Cemetery was the primary place of burial for African-Americans in the city. No one really knows how many people are buried there; estimates run from about 1,500 to as many as 5,000 graves.” (Mountain Xpress, If Stones Could Talk, 1998). Continue reading South Asheville Cemetery Events
Black History Month Free Breakfast Program in Hillcrest
Announcement from the Women’s Wellbeing and Development Foundation: A Free Breakfast will take place every Saturday in February at Hillcrest’s Carl E. Johnson Community Center from 9 am until 11 am. This program is in celebration of Black History month and honors the original Free Breakfast Program that was begun by the Black Panthers during the height of the Civil Rights era. They offered a free hot meal to the children of their communities in the morning, preparing them for the day nutritionally, and empowering their minds and spirits through education while they ate. The community leaders educated the children … Continue reading Black History Month Free Breakfast Program in Hillcrest
Diversity Through Laughter
Here is an article I wrote for this week’s Mountain Xpress: Asheville likes to celebrate diversity, and we’ve got the bumper stickers to prove it. But when it comes to actually experiencing diversity, that’s another story. “I come from Miami, and I’m so used to seeing a diverse group of people, all kinds of people, hanging out,” says Tiffany Gill of The Color ME Brown Project. “I’d like to see more of that here in Asheville.” Victoria Blount, the nonprofit’s creative director, puts it this way: “If you’re in a certain demographic, there’s a ton for you to do. But … Continue reading Diversity Through Laughter
Asheville Action Round Up
Here’s a round up of recent positive stories and opportunities for action: The Asheville Citizen-Times ran this feature story about Stephen Smith, “Asheville man uplifts others after prison stint.” It’s worth a read. Here’s a quote of Smith’s from the story, “I used the analogy of the body, how different organs and muscles and ears and eyes all work together collectively to achieve good health, and how a community of people is supposed to work when everyone is accountable and doing what they’re supposed to do.” Right up the Asheville Action alley is this story in WNC Magazine, “Positive Reinforcements,” … Continue reading Asheville Action Round Up
Mix & Mingle this Saturday
Over the holidays, Major Mayfield of #MajorMoments and his friends organized a sneaker giveaway and day of activities for children in the Shiloh community. By all reports, the event was a great success. Mayfield is also involved in organizing a series of networking events called Mix & Mingle. The team putting on this event includes Sheneika Smith of Date My City, Melting Pot Asheville and more. The second Mix & Mingle will be this Saturday, January 4th from 6 to 10 pm at the Asheville Music Hall, 31 Patton Avenue. On his Facebook page, Mayfield gave a call out to … Continue reading Mix & Mingle this Saturday
Braving Controversy to Promote Diversity
I recently received the following email from the Center for Diversity Education, a wonderful organization whose vision is to “help build relationships across differences to create a more inclusive and equitable community.” Specifically, the CDE “celebrates and teaches diversity in order to foster conversation and respect among cultures.” I applaud the CDE for their work, much of which happens in the public schools. This story highlights the importance of this type of programming: “Every year someone has objected to an observance in the Center for Diversity Education program Festivals of Light. Sometimes it is Kwanzaa because of the founder’s political ideology … Continue reading Braving Controversy to Promote Diversity
CHIVA – Transporting Opportunities to People (TOP) Project
Here is a piece I wrote for the Xpress website about CHIVA, an innovative organization that is holding an event this Saturday evening. CHIVA mobile outreach bus reflects on its first year We are trying to contribute to the inclusion process of the new face of WNC,” says Carolina McCready of the CHIVA – Transporting Opportunities to People (TOP) Project, a social entrepreneurial endeavor that she helped to start a year ago with Sarah Nuñez and Victor Palomino. Specifically, the CHIVA is a school bus that has been turned into a mobile outreach space. The CHIVA TOP Project is designed … Continue reading CHIVA – Transporting Opportunities to People (TOP) Project
Ami Worthen 