Saturday, Feb. 1 will mark the start of Black History Month 2025 — an annual observance that has roots dating back to 1915. Throughout the month, Asheville will host events where locals can learn and remember the stories and achievements of Black Americans in WNC. There’s no one way to observe, so be on the lookout for events centered on art, food, speeches, and literature.
Art
The Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center is asking local artists to enter paintings, drawings, or sculptures depicting what Black history means to them to be displayed in its “Black History Month Through the Eyes of Art” exhibit. Submissions are open Wednesday Feb. 5 through Tuesday, Feb. 11. The exhibit will have an opening ceremony on Wednesday, Feb. 12 and all art pieces will be on display at the center through Friday, Feb. 28.
Locals can walk the Black Cultural Heritage Trail that debuted in late 2023. It spans across Asheville’s Downtown, Southside, and River Area neighborhoods with 20 informative panels that preserve important people, moments, and stories in local Black history.
Storytelling
Kick off Black History Month at Black Storytelling on the Block on Friday, Feb. 7, 5-8 p.m. The First Friday event will explore the Black experience through art, music, spoken word, and theater.
The Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center will host its Black history celebration on Saturday, Feb. 8, 1-4 p.m. Community Association members, friends, and neighbors will showcase the deep roots of the Shiloh Community by honoring those who led the way, sharing stories, and reflecting with one another.
The Burton Street Community Center will lead the Burton Street Black History Discussion on Friday, Feb. 21, starting at 6 p.m. Learn about the Burton Street Community’s story, its role in local Black history, and its founder, activist, civic leader, and businessman, Edward W. Pearson.
Older adults are invited to dress up as a famous Black history maker and share their stories at the Grove Street Community Center’s Black History Alive! event on Friday, Feb. 28, starting at 11 a.m.
Celebrate
The Harvest House Community Center mixes education and fun at its Black History Celebration with quizzes, games, refreshments, and community on Thursday, Feb. 20, starting at 1:30 p.m.
Black Wall Street AVL will honor remarkable Ashevillians for their leadership, excellence, and resilience at the Black History Awards 2025. Seven awards will be handed out at the Asheville Community Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 22, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Read
Learn through Black stories and partake in local book clubs. The Enka History Book Club will talk about “Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America” by Michael Harriot on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at the Enka-Candler Library. The East Asheville Library’s Black Experience Book Club will discuss “The Fifth Season” by N.K. Jemisin on Thursday, Feb. 27.
Eat
Dig into a serving of history with the Stephens-Lee Community Center’s Soul Food Supper on Thursday, Feb. 20, 6-8 p.m. The event will celebrate soul food dishes and attendees can learn how these foods became central to Black communities — while eating, of course.