12.19.2023

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Today’s Forecast

60º | Partly cloudy | 1% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:35 a.m. | Sunset 5:20 p.m.

Asheville Black Cultural‍ Heritage Trail unveiled

Exploring the history of Asheville’s Black community on the Asheville Black Cultural‍ Heritage Trail

Community leaders gathered at the unveiling of the trail. | Photo by Andre Daugherty via Explore Asheville

The Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail is now open, allowing the public to explore the history and resilience of Asheville’s Black community. The trail was officially unveiled on Friday, Dec. 15. The East End/Valley Street Neighborhood Association first proposed the idea of the trail in community meetings in 2010, with local nonprofit River Front Development Group leading the effort — and through funding from the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority and collaboration with Explore Asheville staff, the project began to take shape.

After years of work, recommendations from the trail’s advisory committee, and community input, trail-goers can now take a self-guided tour to learn about the often underrepresented people, landmarks, and achievements of Black Asheville.

Catherine Mitchell of River Front Development Group has been a driving force behind the project since the idea first came to light. At the ceremony unveiling the trail, Mitchell shared that the trail encapsulates “hundreds of stories” documenting the history of the Black community’s involvement in church life, civic affairs and engagement, and more.

Walking the trail

The trail spans Asheville’s Downtown, Southside, and River Area neighborhoods and includes 14 stops with 20 informational panels. The markers amplify the stories of less recognized figures and accomplishments of Asheville’s Black community, giving insight into topics including Asheville’s Black newspapers and Stephens-Lee High School’s Asheville Student Committee on Racial Equality. In the bottom right corner of the markers, you’ll find QR codes leading to additional stories, photos, videos, and first-hand oral histories.

Example of a marker on the trail in front of the YMI Cultural Center. — A marker on the downtown portion of the trail shares the history of the YMI Cultural Center.
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Photo by AVLtoday

As you make your way through the self-guided trail, emblems of the Sankofa bird are cemented into the sidewalk, leading you forward. Sankofa, a Twi word from the Akan people of Ghana, comes from the literal translation of an Akan proverb that says, “It is not taboo to go back for what you forgot (or left behind)” — inviting participants on the trail to recognize the injustices of the past to create a more progressive future.

The trail markers on the sidewalk featuring the Sankofa bird.

Photo by AVLtoday

On the back of several markers, you’ll find photos of azaleas, paying homage to Sylvester Owens — a pivotal figure in developing the Biltmore Estate’s azalea gardens.

Navigating the trail

Events

Tuesday, Dec. 19

Robert’s Totally Rad Trivia | Tuesday, Dec. 19 | 7-9 p.m. | French Broad Brewing, 101 Fairview Rd., Asheville | Free | Grab your crew and test your knowledge of music, television, movies, video games, food, culture, and more.
Candlelight Holiday Special featuring “The Nutcracker” | Tuesday, Dec. 19 | 8:45 p.m. | AyurPrana Listening Room, 312 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $38-$62 | Bask in the glow of candlelight while listening to classic holiday tunes performed by the Opal String Quartet.

Wednesday, Dec. 20

BWS Holiday Jam 2023 | Wednesday, Dec. 20 | 5:30-10 p.m. | Black Wall Street AVL, 8 River Arts Pl., Asheville | Free | Dance along to tunes from local bands while enjoying a night of celebration and community spirit.
Asheville FM Live Music Sessions | Wednesday, Dec. 20 | 9-11 p.m. | The Getaway River Bar, 790 Riverside Dr., Asheville | Free | Hear the lyricism and guitar skills of Thomas Kozak & the Poets in person, or tune in to 103.3 FM to hear the broadcast.

Thursday, Dec. 21

Curated Brew & Taste Experience | Thursday, Dec. 21| 9:30-11 a.m. | Coffee Curious Workshops, 45 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville | $49-$64 | Toni Oreck will teach you the science behind a well-balanced brew — plus, you’ll get to sip on a variety of local roasts.
Public Tour: Discovering Art in Asheville | Thursday, Dec. 21 | 6-7 p.m. | Asheville Art Museum, 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville | Free with admission | Join this guided tour through the Museum’s collection and special exhibitions.

Friday, Dec. 22

Solstice Forest Bathing | Friday, Dec. 22 | 1-4 p.m. | Asheville Integrative Psychiatry, 70 Canter Field Ln., Candler | $55 | Immerse yourself in nature with an easy hike led by forest therapy guide Christa Hebal.
Queen Bee & The Honeylovers Holiday Concert | Friday, Dec. 22 | 8-10 p.m. | LEAF Global Arts, 19 Eagle St., Asheville | $15-$20 | Hear a mix of holiday tunes and the band’s Asheville-themed original tracks.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Closed

Following an HVAC system failure, the Grove Street Community Center will be closed for up to four weeks for repairs. In the meantime, all programs set to take place at the Grove Street Community Center will now be hosted at the Stephens-Lee Community Center. Find additional info + schedule changes.

Civic

Deputy Chief Michael Lamb has been named Interim Police Chief following former Asheville Police Department Chief David Zack’s resignation. Additional information on the recruitment process for the new chief will be shared as plans are finalized.

Talk

Get to know our neck of the woods. On Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 7 p.m., the WNC Sierra Club will host Southeast Director and Senior Scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity Will Harlan for a discussion on the incredible biodiversity of the South Appalachians. Attend in person or tune in via Zoom.

History

Despite creating influential photography that helped establish the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, much of George Masa’s work has been lost. But thanks to Angelyn Whitmeyer’s years of work creating the George Masa Photograph Database, thousands of Masa’s photos are now available in one place for anyone to view. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

Cause

Atlanta Braves Hall of Famer Leo Mazzone will be rocking with UNC Asheville Athletics as the keynote speaker for the UNC Asheville Baseball program’s annual fundraising dinner on Friday, Jan. 19. Find tickets to attend Baseball Night and info on how you can support the Bulldogs.

Number

Three. That’s the number of architecture awards Spruce Ridge Cabin, designed by Altura Architects, earned this year alone. Take a virtual tour of the nearly 6,000 ft elevation minimal modern cabin + learn how the team minimized its impact on the fragile ecosystem while shaping the inviting, harmonious space.*

Health

Celebrate your baby’s birth-day with a team who strives to provide the best care during one of the most memorable days of your life. From supportive to minimal intervention, Mission Health offers a safe and healing environment for both mom and baby. Get to know their state-of-the-art Labor and Delivery facility.*

Arts

Trade your quilted creations

Trade quilted creations at the Clean Slate Craft Swap

Up close photo of the edge of a multi-colored, patchwork quilt going through a sewing machine

Get thready for a new project. | Photo by Jeff Wade via Unsplash

If you’re on pins and needles waiting to start your next sewing project, you might find some inspiration at the Weaverville Library’s Clean Slate Craft Swap. From Saturday, Dec. 30 through Saturday, Jan. 13, you can drop off any unfinished crafts, donate extra supplies, and trade projects with fellow quilters and cross-stitchers.

Whether you’re a savant with the serpentine stitch or new to needlework, the swap is open for all to start the new year with a new project.

Not ready to part ways with your work just yet? Work on finishing your knitted creations today, Tuesday, Dec. 19 at the Quilting Bee, a monthly collaborative event from the Asheville Quilt Guild and the East Asheville Public Library. Stop by the library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with your sewing machine in tow to work on your own design or assist with a community project.

The Buy

The Buy 12.19.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

This Adams Apple Company apple butter. It’s made in the USA + you can use it to make these amazing apple butter snickerdoodle cookies Lifestyle and Recipe YouTuber Jessica O’Donohue whipped up (just save a few for Santa).

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Grace

From the editor

With the holiday season comes plenty of gifts — and gift wrapping. Luckily, the City of Asheville has a handy resource to refresh you on what seasonal items can and can’t be recycled, including ribbons, bows, and wrapping paper.

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