The Black Asheville Experience
Discover
The Soul of Asheville
Situated in the French Broad River Valley – home to one of the oldest rivers and one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world – Asheville’s eclectic vibe brings an array of people together. From its renowned restaurant and beer scene to some of the rarest ecosystems found in America, there is no shortage of adventure to be had in Asheville, North Carolina. But hidden in plain sight are the rich contributions of Asheville’s Black community that make this city one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the nation.
Asheville's Black community is an eclectic one with deep roots that continue to shape the city's spirit. Connect with over 50 Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs through Black Wall Street AVL and vendor market. Get down at events like the annual Goombay Festival and various Juneteenth celebrations throughout the city. And cap your evening off as your party down at Gospel Night at the Double Crown on the last Thursday of each month.
Black Asheville's here for you to experience. Just slide through.
Celebrating Black-Owned Businesses in Asheville
Do you want your dollar to have a positive impact beyond the cash register? You can support Black Asheville by supporting its incredible Black businesses.
African American Voices Speak of Rich History and Vibrant Future
An Asheville native, Joe Greene encourages visitors to tune into African-American voices that are a rich part of the region’s history and present.
Asheville's African-American History Tours Uncover Voices from Past & Present
Take A Walk Around "The Block" With Hood Huggers International Tours Founder DeWayne Barton.
Past & present
Connect with Asheville's Culture
Visit historically Black neighborhoods, including the Shiloh Community, originally located where Biltmore sits today; Burton Street, home to the Burton Street Community Peace Garden; and The Block, famous for its thriving Black businesses and the YMI Cultural Center. Play a round of golf at the Asheville Municipal Golf Course ("Muni") and learn about the history of Black Golf in Asheville. Or, take a swing with the pros at the annual Skyview Golf Tournament -- one of the largest Black-run golf tournaments in the Southeast. From Black artists in the River Arts District to the Black craftspeople that helped construct Asheville’s world-famous Art Deco architecture that dots the skyline, uncover the history of Black Asheville and how it continues to make an impact to this mountain city today.
Meet Matthew Bacoate
Matthew Bacoate, Jr., has always looked at himself as a problem solver. It was this mindset that turned him into one of Asheville's greatest advocates for integration and a community leader for Black-owned businesses and jobs.
Dr. Oralene Simmons
Dr. Simmons helped with integration projects while still in high school.
Black Wall Street AVL
Owners of Asheville's first Black-owned coffee shop set their sights on inspiring other Black entrepreneurs to realize their goals.
Celebrating Asheville's Black History
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