The Color of Asheville
The Color of Asheville (colorofasheville.net) is a new website created by Sasha Mitchell. Sasha is a family and community historian, among other things. The site is described as “a network of connection serving and celebrating Asheville’s African American Community.” Specifically: “This site was formed to meet the need for connectivity between members of Asheville’s African American Community and our need to support our locally owned businesses, professionals and community happenings. We will include activities and events, a directory of Black-owned businesses, professionals, service providers and clubs. In addition, we will include articles about Asheville’s African American history to document and … Continue reading The Color of Asheville
Liberation Through Cooperation
This is an online story I wrote for the Mountain Xpress about a great group: The Ujamaa Freedom Market, which promotes “Liberation through Cooperation,” is a worker-owned cooperative mobile market which brings fresh local foods to underserved communities in Asheville. According to its website, Ujamaa “promotes social, economic, environmental and food justice by serving as a model for self-sufficiency while educating and inspiring healthy relationships with food in order to strengthen the quality of life and health and well-being of the community.” Co-owners Olufemi Lewis and Calvin Allen have been operating a weekly booth on Depot Street, selling locally grown … Continue reading Liberation Through Cooperation
A Celebration of Hillcrest
Here is an announcement from the Women’s Wellbeing and Development Foundation about an opportunity for Asheville locals to connect with neighbors who live in public housing: “On Saturday, November 23rd, from 5:00 – 7:30 pm at Hillcrest’s Carl E. Johnson Community Center (100 Atkinson Street), we are hosting the third annual Party for the People, in which Hillcrest residents come together with supporters and collaborators from all over the Asheville community to celebrate the accomplishments of the year, enjoy each others’ company, and build new connections. Party for the People will be a love donation based potluck event, featuring local food, children’s activities, raffle prizes, a resident awards ceremony, and … Continue reading A Celebration of Hillcrest
The Spirit of Rural Studio
Next Tuesday November 26, at 7 pm, V I L L A G E R S in West Asheville will be screening the documentary Citizen Architect: Samuel Mockbee and the Spirit of Rural Studio. I highly recommend this film. I first watched it after meeting the director/producer, Sam Wainwright Douglas, at the Doo-Nanny a few years back. Citizen Architect touched me deeply. Sam Mockbee was a compassionate visionary who left behind a very positive legacy. He questioned the way architecture is taught and forged his own path as a teacher by leading his students in creating beautiful spaces for people … Continue reading The Spirit of Rural Studio
Date My City: Dinner and a Movie
The story below was originally published on my tumblr earlier of this year, but I thought I’d re-post it here since there will be another Date My City event this Friday, November 15. The invite for Friday’s event states, “Asheville, DATE MY CITY proudly presents: Dinner and a Movie, featuring 12 Years A Slave, where Asheville native Chris Chalk plays the role of Clemens Ray, a fellow kidnapped slave brought to the South with main character, Solomon Northup. DETAILS: 7:00 pm at the Mellow Mushroom, 50 Broadway then, at 9:45 pm, 12 Years a Slave at the Fine Arts Theatre, … Continue reading Date My City: Dinner and a Movie
Building Bridges Anniversary Event Today
Building Bridges is a volunteer organization in Asheville “founded to overcome racism through compelling dialogue, community building and a call to action.” I participated in a Building Bridges session a few years ago and found it very valuable. The Citizen-Times recently ran this story by Barbara Blake about the history of this group. Building Bridges will hold its 20th anniversary celebration with a potluck dinner and sharing of memories from 6-8 p.m. today – Tuesday, November 12 – at the Mountain Area Health Education Center, 121 Hendersonville Rd. I look forward to attending. Sign up for the next Building Bridges session, January 27 … Continue reading Building Bridges Anniversary Event Today
Recent Stories
These are stories I’ve written for the Mountain Xpress recently: “East-west Revival” 10/15/13 Feature on the opening of Wood & Spoon and the growth in “East West Asheville.” “Mexican Consulate Plans Visit” 10/12/13 Blog post about the Raleigh-based Mexican Consulate’s visit to WNC. “Hot Wings” 10/8/13 Feature on the Haywood Lounge and owner Hosea Jackson. Photo by Max Cooper Continue reading Recent Stories
Minority Enterprise Development Week
Here is a story I wrote for the October 2, 2013 issue of Mountain Xpress. Minority Enterprise Week of WNC recognizes local entrepreneurs Three-time world champion Cherokee hoop dancer Daniel Tramper helped kick off the 30th Annual Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week of WNC Awards. Tramper was one of four local winners recognized at the event, held Sept. 26 at Homewood in Montford. Established in 1982 by President Ronald Reagan, MED Week aims “to recognize the outstanding achievements of minority businesses and to honor those corporations and financial institutions that support minority business development.” MED Week of WNC launched in … Continue reading Minority Enterprise Development Week
Getting Going
My goal is to capture stories of people making good things happen in WNC. Continue reading Getting Going
Ami Worthen 