Backlash Blues: Exploring the Nina Simone-Langston Hughes connection
Volume
27
/ Issue 28
Cover Design Credit:
Scott SouthwickCover Photography Credit:
Noord-Hollands Archief/Fotoburo de Boer
Jazz artist Nina Simone — who was born in Tryon and educated at Asheville's Allen High School — kept up a lively correspondence with poet Langston Hughes in the 1960s. New research is uncovering more information about the artistic exchange.
arts
New digital archive examines Nina Simone’s relationship with Langston Hughes
In 1949, poet Langston Hughes spoke at the Allen High School in Asheville. One of the students in attendance was Eunice Waymon, later known professionally as Nina Simone. In time,…Jon Charles Dwyer, Spaceman Jones and the Motherships, Musashi Xero and Hustle Souls release new albums
Jon Charles Dwyer, Spaceman Jones and the Motherships, Musashi Xero and Hustle Souls discuss their latest projects.Around town: The latest history talks, art exhibits and poetry contests
There are plenty of free virtual and in-person exhibits and educational opportunities in and around Asheville. Poets and visual artists are also being called to submit works for a pair…food
Black chefs forge their own paths in Asheville’s food scene
The increased attention and plaudits paid to high-profile Black chefs in America in recent years simultaneously sheds ambient light on their overall scarcity.What’s new in food: Wine, dine and eat more chocolate
From prix fixe dinners with a view to bonbons to heart-shaped dog biscuits, local businesses are offering tasty ways to say "I love you" for Valentine's Day.living
Antibody therapy comes to WNC COVID-19 patients
Early data suggests monoclonal antibody therapies may reduce hospitalizations in people at high risk for severe COVID-19 complications by 70%. Limited supplies are now available in Western North Carolina.news
Multiagency collaboration seeks to stop gun violence
Can rising gun violence be stopped in its tracks by roughly $200,000 and dedicated community resources? Leaders from the SPARC Foundation, My Daddy Taught Me That, the Racial Justice Coalition…Green in brief: Green Built Alliance launches new certifications, Duke reaches coal ash agreement
“Many items that are now standard construction practices have been removed from our checklist, while we have added opportunities to gain points for new technologies,” explained Maggie Leslie, the nonprofit’s…Buncombe receives new property values
While the median sales ratio for the county overall increased by roughly 18% the rise was not evenly distributed. Urban areas such as Central Asheville and Southside generally saw larger…ACS transparency issues cloud school sale discussion
Gene Freeman, Asheville City Schools superintendent, gave contradictory statements regarding the potential sale of Asheville Primary School at several meetings over recent months. Xpress has also experienced delays in obtaining…Buncombe boards highlight development pressures
Presentations by the Buncombe County Board of Adjustment and Planning Board, both delivered to the county Board of Commissioners on Feb. 2, emphasized the need for changes in how the…opinion
The repurposing crayon
Letter: More support can be tapped to reject Raytheon
"Keep in mind that 20% of anything harmful is still 100% harmful."Letter: Repurposing monument would offer chance for learning, growth
"The repurposing of the Vance Monument would present an opportunity, not only for learning, but also to add yet another layer to the history and growth of this community."Letter: Thank you, COVID-19 relief team
"But your efforts — coupled with a continuing commitment by everyone else to mask up, wash up and keep themselves and others safe — will hopefully turn the tide."Overpass
Letter: Teaching peace: an opportunity for a better future
"We can advocate for courses at every level from fourth grade through college that focus on the legacy of slavery, discrimination, classism and social issues that have an ongoing impact…What it means to date — and not date — in Asheville right now
"What’s not funny, however, is the suggestion that anyone has a right to sex, tangential to a partner who desires to have it with them, particularly during a pandemic."Moving the needle