It’s officially Black History Month : a time to recognize the struggles, achievements, and contributions of Black Americans. Here are 11+ ways that Ashevillians can get involved locally, all month long.
Brush up on your history
The Hood Huggers Tour and self-guided Historic James Vester Miller Trail both offer important glimpses into the story of Black Asheville. The Buncombe County Public Library system has also published a schedule of special events, along with a Black Legacy Month Reading List .
Noir Collective is a Black-owned boutique and art gallery.
Photo via @noircollective
Connect with community
From spoken word performances and pie baking
to a garden work day
, there’s plenty of ways to honor Black history with our community.
- RAISING BLACK | Thursday, Feb. 9 | 7-9 p.m. | Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $15 | A collection of poetry, skits, and monologues from Penny Meacham that explores themes of resiliency and hope.
- Hidden In Plain Sight | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 2 p.m. | Black Wall Street , 8 River Arts Pl., Asheville | Free | Community elders will share struggles and triumphs of Asheville’s Black community.
- Soul Food Supper | Thursday, Feb. 23 | 6-8 p.m. | Stephens-Lee Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave., Asheville | Free | Indulge in down-home cooking like fried chicken, black-eyed peas, and sweet potato pie.
See a full list of Black History Month events via our calendar .
Local biz Chill Cereal Bar does catering for events around town.
Photo by @chillcerealbar
Support Black-owned businesses
By our count, the Asheville area has at least 85+ Black-owned businesses . Our directory includes everything from childcare and hospitality to financial services. Notice a business is missing from the list? Let us know and we’ll add it.
J Hackett and Bruce Waller, founders of Black Wall Street AVL.
Photo by AVLtoday
Donate to these organizations
- Help the YMI Cultural Center with its capital fundraising campaign .
- Support the vision of West Asheville’s Peace Gardens via Patreon.
- Contribute to Black Wall Street’s mission of growing and expanding Black businesses, owners, and networks.
- Give to Southside Community Farm‘s campaign for Black food sovereignty.