This morning marks 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. And today, Sept. 27, the center’s renovations will be unveiled in a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of the space from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Since 2022, the building has been undergoing 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. Then check out some of its current programming, including various business and development series, the Black Experience Book Club, and Get in Shape exercise group.
Goombay Festival is back
The YMI Cultural Center’s reopening coincides with the Goombay Festival, which returns after taking a pause last year. Goombay first debuted in 1982 and, since then, has celebrated the diversity of the African diaspora and Asheville’s African American community.
From this Friday, Sept. 27 through Sunday, Sept. 29, the festival will take place at the YMI Cultural Center and Pack Square Park, showcasing Black culture, art, and food with live performances, workshops, and vendors.
The family festival is free, but there is a ticketed dinner performance of the play “Even Me — The Children’s Story,” portraying the mental health journey of children whose mother struggles with Alzheimer’s. Find the full festival schedule.
Note: Since the area is expecting heavy rain and potential flooding due to Hurricane Helene, stay up to date with any announcements about the festival by checking the YMI Cultural Center’s Facebook page.
