TONIGHT “Last fall, UNC Asheville was gifted more than 1,000 photographs by artist Isaiah Rice, including many shots taken locally from the ’50s to the ’70s. ‘What people will see in these photos is a different Asheville as far as … Continue reading Isaiah Rice Photos, Word on the Street, Southside
The Game is Rigged The devastating cumulative impact of centuries of systemic racism on blacks in this country cannot be underestimated. It is way past time to face the fact that whites have been benefiting from a game that is … Continue reading Asheville, Invest in Black-led Solutions
Last week’s African Americans in WNC conference was as informative, upsetting, inspiring and energizing as I had expected. From Sen. Floyd McKissick, Jr.’s educational and insightful keynote to the presentation of the incredible Isaiah Rice Photography Collection, the conference brought … Continue reading WNC Black History Matters
Not to be missed! From UNC Asheville’s website: The second annual African Americans in Western North Carolina Conference will be held Oct. 22-23, 2015 at the YMI Cultural Center and UNC Asheville’s Highsmith Union. The two-day conference is free and … Continue reading Second Annual African Americans in WNC Conference, Oct. 22 – 23
Here are a few things coming up: Asheville Goombay Festival – this weekend, Sept. 11 -12. I recently had the honor of meeting Lady Gloria Free, the founder of Goombay, and I wrote about her history in Asheville with the … Continue reading Happening Soon
Asheville: From Slavery to Freedom, April 26, 2015 from 5 – 6:30 pm at Pack Square, will commemorate a significant date in Asheville’s history, never before publicly recognized to my knowledge. Co-sponsored by the Center for Diversity Education and Date My … Continue reading Asheville Slaves Liberated on April 26, 1865
There have been a few articles related to racial diparities and our collective historical memory that have come out recently that I believe are really worth your time to read. Two feature Dr. Dwight Mullen, two feature Dr. Darin Waters, … Continue reading Recommended Articles Round Up
It’s time to talk again about our collective historical memory. The Center for Diversity Education is currently collecting signatures on a petition to Asheville City Council and Buncombe County Commissioners regarding plans to repair the Vance Monument, thanks to fundraising efforts … Continue reading Monuments Matter!
Last week I was lucky to be able to attend the “History of Desegregation” panel hosted by the Asheville City Schools Foundation (ACSF) as a part of their Racial Equity Initiative. While I have heard stories of desegregation in Asheville … Continue reading History of Desegregation in Asheville
In October, I posted about the first every African Americans in WNC history conference, which was held at the YMI Cultural Center and UNC Asheville. This event was extremely educational and important. The conference was introduced as being created in … Continue reading Asheville Black History Resources
Ami Worthen 