Making History & Leading the Way

Two County employees are this year’s recipients of special recognition from Black Wall Street AVL’s recent award ceremony.

During the 2023 Black Asheville Awards, Community Development Specialist Leonard Jones won the Community Leader Award, while County Manager Avril Pinder took home the Community History Maker Award.

“I was really shocked, to be honest. Since joining the Public Engagement team in 2021, I have learned, met people, and seen a lot of good work that is being done in the community,” said Jones while noting that his first thought was wondering who nominated him.

Meantime, Pinder says the experience is very humbling. “It’s an honor to be Buncombe’s first Black County Manager and help advance critical issues like declaring racism a public health concern, developing a Racial Equity Action Plan, advancing reparations efforts and making other significant strides for people of color in our community,” Pinder said.

While both honorees might have been caught off guard and humble about their awards, CAPE Director Lillian Govus says it’s hard to find two more deserving people.

“Neither Leonard nor Avril seek attention, so to be recognized in such a big way couldn’t have been easy for them, but it’s important to give them their flowers and honor what they do and the contributions they make to our Buncombe County community.”