Here we are, a year since Hurricane Helene hit us. There were many events to mark the date, including “Whether the Weather,” presented by Temple of Seaweed at Story Parlor, which I had the honor co-curating with Heather Laine Talley. … Continue reading Changed by the rain
Why am I compelled to write about tourism in these times of terror? It’s a question I’ve been asking myself as I’ve drafted and trashed essays on this topic in recent months. There are many important things rightfully holding our … Continue reading Tend-er tourism in a time of terror?
Being near water is one of my favorite things, be it a creek or a river or lake, or, less frequently, the ocean. I’m partial to waterways in the Appalachian mountains, I’ll take a mountain stream over the sea most … Continue reading Heartbreaks and hope
On Saturday, January 4, I had the profound honor of being on a panel at the closing reception for the Art of Recovery exhibit at Pink Dog Creative. The exhibit, supported by Asheville Creative Arts, brought together youth artists from … Continue reading The Art of Recovery (Panel Recap)
Ancestors surround us. Their constant presence is more pronounced this time of year, as we approach Samhain and Día de Los Muertos. An invitation to pause to ritualize the beloved dead. To honor and grieve lost loved ones with gratitude … Continue reading Ancestors All Around
NOTE: These reflections on reparations are not meant to distract from the immediate response still needed to assist those most impacted by the storm (please check this list of Community based organizations to support with donations now and in the … Continue reading Systemic Storms and a Just Recovery
Hill Street was a historically Black neighborhood in Asheville. Have you heard of it? Likely not. Its story, like the homes which once stood there, has been lost. It’s a story I’ve been studying deeply, wanting to fill in as … Continue reading What happened to Hill Street?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a chemical compound from the cannabis plant that is used to treat physical pain and other ailments. Looking at the history of cannabis since it was outlawed in the U.S., our hearts can understand why resources … Continue reading CBD (cannabis) for curing cash bail and other ills
Being one myself, I often wonder about white women* and how we operate in community. While we are each unique, many of us follow similar patterns of behavior. Patterns shaped by being socialized in a society built on patriarchy and … Continue reading White women and the schools
Beer has spread like kudzu over Asheville, NC. We are drowning in a beer tsunami. In this moment, we can’t ignore the troubling implications of being Beer City U.S.A. Bloated with beer (and money from it) A 2017 smartasset study … Continue reading Beer is a Bummer
Ami Worthen 