Every February, the country marks the history, struggles, achievements, and contributions of generations of Black Americans. From storytelling to music, learning to creating, here are just a few of the ways to honor Black History Month in Asheville.
Hearing history + telling stories
Shades of Red: Our Black History is Love | Saturday, Feb. 14 | 1-4 p.m. | Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center | Free | Learn about the rich history of Shiloh through storytelling on this Valentine’s Day celebration.
The Black Diamond Group presents: Remembering Black History, Remembering Ourselves | Sunday, Feb. 15 | 3:30-5:30 p.m. | Story Parlor | $10 | The acting troupe will present a show of original poetry, storytelling, and visual art, as well as dedications to historical figures, including Nikki Giovanni and Maya Angelou.
YMI’s 133rd Birthday: Lovers’ Lounge | Friday, Feb. 20 | 7-9 p.m. | YMI Cultural Center | $15+ | In honor of the YMI’s anniversary, enjoy an intimate evening of live music, cocktails, and connection celebrating love, legacy, and Black culture.
Burton Street History Discussion | Saturday, Feb. 21 | 6-8 p.m. | Burton Street Community Center | Free | Learn more about the Burton Street community during a discussion about the community’s history and its founder Edward W. Pearson.
“When you look at me... WHO do you see?” | Friday, Feb. 27 | 6 p.m. | Arthur R. Edington Education and Career Center | Free | The Christine W. Avery Learning Center and Asheville Peak Academy present its annual Black History Program, bringing students + families together with the theme, “When you look at me… who do you see?”
The 2nd Annual YMI Honors | Saturday, Feb. 28 | 6-10 p.m. | YMI Cultural Center | $65+ | Step into the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance for an elegant evening honoring community trailblazers and unsung heroes with live music, dinner, and special arts programming.
Experiencing art
Black History Month Through The Eyes of Art | Wednesday, Feb. 11 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center | Free | Take a look at Black history through the eyes of local artists and how they acknowledge and honor the past. The art will be on display through Saturday, Feb. 28.
“Ink Of Our Kin” | Friday, Feb. 13-Saturday, Feb. 21 | 7:30 p.m. | Wortham Center for the Performing Arts | $15+ | The three performances by the Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective highlight ethnic and cultural diversity in theatre, ending with a performance of “A Raisin in the Sun.”
“I Am Not Your Negro": A Screening to Honor African American History Month | Thursday, Feb. 19 | 3-5 p.m. | Pack Memorial Library | Free | See the award-winning documentary that brings James Baldwin’s unfinished work to life, detailing the legacy of Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Montford Melodies and Legacy Celebration | Friday, Feb. 20 | 6-8 p.m. | Tempie Avery Montford Community Center | Free | Enjoy an evening of dinner and iconic performances honoring the culture, history, and lasting impact of Black artists, from James Brown to Beyoncé.
Sharing a meal
Soul Food Supper | Thursday, Feb. 19 | 6-8 p.m. | Stephens-Lee Community Center | Free | The East End Valley Street Neighborhood and the Stephens-Lee Alumni Association invite you to come hungry to the annual community gathering.
Black History Month Cake + Sip | Sunday, Feb. 22 | 3-5 p.m. | YMI Cultural Center | $55 | Decorate, sip, and put your creativity on full display during this evening of confections and community.
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