Thursday, Feb. 27 will mark the grand reopening of one of the oldest operating Black cultural centers in the US. The YMI Cultural Center — located on The Block, Asheville’s historic Black business district — has served as a cornerstone of the Black community since 1893. The center’s reopening was previously scheduled for the day before Helene’s arrival, but was postponed as the YMI partnered with Bridging the Gaps WNC to provide critical recovery resources to marginalized community members.
Since 2022, the building has undergone renovations, including upgrades to the auditorium and gallery as well as the addition of AV technology throughout and new spaces like conference rooms and classrooms. With the new renovations, the YMI Cultural Center aims to provide even more opportunities to celebrate Black heritage through social, educational, and cultural activities and programming.
Learn more about the history of the landmark and its continuing legacy and join the YMI Cultural Center in celebrating Black History Month with a series of upcoming events.
