Shiloh: Celebration, Community, and Legacy
By Meghan McDonald –
The Shiloh community celebrated its 9th Annual Historic Celebration on September 24, 2016.
the Shiloh Legacy Art Trail. Photo: Norma Baynes
At the celebration, Anita White-Carter said, “Without recognizing one’s history, you do not recognize one’s humanity.”
The historical significance of the Shiloh community was present from Sophie Dixon’s welcoming remarks until the end of the mini concert by members of New Vision Baptist Church, Shiloh AME Zion Church, and Rock Hill Missionary Baptist Church choirs. Each speaker, presenter, or representative offered a new perspective regarding where Shiloh came from and where it is going.
The original community of Old Shiloh was established just north of the Biltmore Estate by a dozen freed African Americans more than 130 years ago. The community was later forced to relocate, yet with faith and dedication, New Shiloh was born.
As part of the celebration, a banner hung above the Shiloh Community Garden, which read, “Building on the Legacy; Embracing the Future.” The neighborhood and its Community Association have stayed true to this slogan by recognizing and honoring their history through celebrations such as this, while still searching for new and innovative ways to provide resources for community members. They regularly network with other organizations through garden volunteer hours and other events, while monthly Shiloh Community Association meetings keep everyone regularly updated and informed.
Shiloh is a model for community building and togetherness, and I have no doubt they will continue to embrace their future.
Among the guests were Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer, Council-woman Julie Mayfield, Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Andy Barnett, and representatives from the NAACP. Festivities began with children playing while community members mingled, reconnected, and shared laughter and stories. There were plants from the community garden, including tomatoes, blueberries, sunflowers, and mint, and Leaf Mobile Art Lab offered arts and crafts—colorful paper, markers, crayons, glue, ribbon, and yarn—for young people. And, in a reminder of the momentousness of the election cycle, a table was set up for voter registration.
The day’s celebration culminated with the opening of the Conley Pass, dedicated to longtime residents of the Shiloh Community who allowed the new path to pass through their property. Members of the Conley family addressed the crowd and a sign over the pass was unveiled.
The Shiloh Community Association meets the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at The Linwood Crump Recreation Complex, except on Monday holidays, when the meeting is the second Monday.
