The title of this blog is “Asheville Action,” and my goal here is to shine light on the actions of groups or individuals who are making a positive difference in our community, especially as related to equity and inclusion. Just … Continue reading Just Economics Rocks
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
Here’s an announcement about an event that is being hosted by Just Economics this week. Just Economics is a wonderful organization that advocates for a Living Wage for all employees. “Intersectionality: looks at the intersections between forms or systems of oppression, domination or discrimination. Inequality based on race, gender, class, ability, orientation are deeply connected! For example, we know that racism impacts economics when you do not get hired for the job or are turned down to rent an apartment because of your race. Come explore these intersections through interactive activities and dialogue! Help Just Economics create a performance about … Continue reading Intersectionality Event this Thursday
Nicole Hinebaugh, a wonderful person and a true asset to our community, has started a GoFundMe page for a documentary about people living in Asheville Public Housing. It reads: “This is a project in collaboration with students from Mars Hill College to tell the stories of people living in Asheville’s public housing neighborhoods. Over 6,000 people live in these communities, and yet many of the public housing neighborhoods experience isolation from the rest of the city, resulting in a lack of knowledge and understanding from the general public about their lives and experiences. This is an attempt to capture those … Continue reading AVL Public Housing Documentary
There are two events coming up that I’d like to share with you. The first is this Thursday, October 2, from 5 to 7 pm at the Dr. Wesley Grant Southside Center, 285 Livingston Street. The event, hosted by Asheville-Buncombe Community Relations Council and UNCA’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, is “Multi-Generational Conversations on Race, Pt. 1.” The invite reads: “Join us for our two-part series — a diverse group of panelists will participate in community conversations on race, age, and generational differences in perspectives.” The second event, “Everybody’s Environment: Voices for Conservation and Community,” will be held on Friday, October 10, … Continue reading Two Upcoming Opportunities to Engage/Learn
I am embarrassed that, in my running around lately, I failed to post here about Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week, which just ended. This is especially remiss since I am on the MED Committee! My only excuse was that I was so busy trying to promote MED Week on other channels, I forgot to use my own. That said, it was a very successful week of free events and workshops for entrepreneurs. There was a nice preview story in the Citizen-Times, click here to read it. There will be a wrap up story in the Mountain Xpress, I’ll share it … Continue reading Minority Enterprise Development
The YWCA of Asheville Stand Against Racism is underway, with events happening this month and into May. The Stand Against Racism is a nationwide YWCA campaign to raise awareness that racism still exists and that it will no longer be ignored or tolerated. There is still time to sign up to participate. Go to ywcastand.org for more info, a calendar of events and to sign up. You can email angel.redmond@ywcaofasheville.org with questions. Continue reading YWCA Stand Against Racism
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
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
Ami Worthen 