Local Black Heritage Project
Drop by the YMI Cultural Center to view a collection of historical stories featuring unsung heroes.
The achievements and contributions made by Asheville’s Black community may become part of the Heritage Trail. This collection is presented to the community as part of the research for the Heritage Trail project, and is intended to honor, inform, and inspire awareness of local Black heritage.
The collection of stories includes: the Unsung Builders of the Railroads; The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters; W.R. Saxon’s Fight for Civil Rights; When Southside Was The Place to Be; Black Residents Rely Upon Each Other for Medical Care; Student Activism Accelerated Desegregation; E.W. Pearson Builds Asheville Royal Giants Team, Park, and Stadium; Early Political Victory by Freedman N. Shepard; and, National Treasures Attended Asheville’s Allen School for Girls.
View the Story Panels In-Person
You can view the story panels at the YMI on Saturday, September 18, 2021, during the Sankofa Market held at the YMI. The YMI’s Community Impact Center is located at 39 S. Market St. in Asheville.
Virtual Viewing
Attend a Zoom viewing session with researcher Flo Jaques on the following dates:
- Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 10-11 a.m.
- Tuesday, September 28, 2021 from 6-7 p.m.
Go to www.ashevillecvb.com/aaht to register for any of the Zoom sessions.
Online Review & Survey
The community is also invited to share feedback through an online survey. View the story collection and complete the survey at your own pace. Visit www.ashevillecvb.com/aaht to read the stories and complete the survey (forms.gle/ZcF6aHAWQ97QZwuW6).
You can also host your own session either at the YMI or via Zoom to review the story collection and take the survey. Please contact Pat Kappes at [email protected] for scheduling.
An Advisory Committee is being developed with the support of Aisha Adams and Equity Over Everything to shape the development of the project. Check www.ashevillecvb.com for updates later this year.
