Legacy & Leadership

This month we offer stories of leadership, legacy, creativity, and community power—told through the lives of men whose work shapes Asheville and reaches far beyond it.

From Dean Lytle’s reflection on the influence of Black athletes to Héctor “Coco” Díaz’s journey from Puerto Rico to building a culinary institution, these articles highlight men who have turned their personal history into public impact. Their stories remind us that service, craft, and cultural stewardship remain essential forces in a changing world.

This issue also honors the quiet anchors of community life. Otis T. Lindsey, Jr. looks at places like Junior’s Barbershop, where conversations reveal the truths beneath Asheville’s surface. We welcome Rev. Dr. Joseph S. Parks, Sr. as he continues a tradition of faith and service at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. And we’ll celebrate the artistry of musicians and makers like Kessler Watson, whose global sound is rooted in Appalachian soil. Together, these stories form a portrait of men who lead with purpose, create with heart, and remain deeply committed to the communities that shaped them.