My everything aches when I remember that, “by 1908, around 86 percent of forested acres in the Southern Appalachian Mountains was classified as recently harvested or in young regrowth stages of development” (Ecoforesters.org). The scope of this extraction astounds. And, … Continue reading Clear cutting and change
Anti-Blackness permeates the soul of our society. And while many are actively eradicating and healing from it, the fact remains that it continues to shape every area of our lives. As a writer, I am particularly aware of the ways … Continue reading Anti-Blackness and Media Reparations
In 1998, I made a decision that would greatly shape my life – I bought a small bungalow in the Montford neighborhood. Fast forward to 2021 where I am writing this in that same house, my home for literally half … Continue reading History, accountability, and home
As we build towards the future we want, we witness it manifesting around us right now. Here are a few local things I am celebrating at the moment: Different Wrld On the day before the Vance Monument starting coming down … Continue reading The Future is Now
Here are four essays/articles I have read or re-read recently which I hope will spark revelations – and revolution. Onward. Reading for revelations White Danger: Double-Mindedness, Violence, and the Confusion of Whiteness by Autumn Brown for AORTA. The critical, uncomfortable … Continue reading Reading for revelations
Opportunities to act, support, attend, and learn: Divest from Police/Invest in Community From the Racial Justice Coalition: “In early June, Asheville’s Black community came together to develop Black Asheville Demands, the first of which was to divest from the police by … Continue reading Black-led Action in Asheville
“What is owed,” the recent New York Times Magazine essay by Nikole Hannah-Jones is a must read. In it, she makes an irrefutable case for reparations. Excerpt: “Financial restitution cannot end racism, of course, but it can certainly mitigate racism’s … Continue reading Redistribute resources. Now.
Here we are, in the midst of incredible revealing and revolution. Another world is possible. Words cannot hold what is happening. My gratitude for courageous Black leaders is infinite. My commitment to collective community care and liberation, never-ending. Asheville readers, … Continue reading Black AVL Demands
As we know, white supremacy is a deadly virus. Patriarchy is a pandemic. Racism is a rancid poison. We lack antibodies against anti-Blackness. Yet we can continue to seek a cure. There is much to be said about this moment. … Continue reading White folks: Turn your outrage into reparations
I begin with gratitude for the community care I have been witnessing, grief for the losses we are experiencing (and have experienced), and continued hope for a just transition. While today’s post adds to my ongoing commentary on a certain … Continue reading Transform tourism? TDA accountability?
Ami Worthen 