As it has in the past, the city put up roadblocks during this year’s Bele Chere, restricting traffic. Blocked off: At a July 28 city forum, the Rev. John Grant of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church voiced concerns about limited access to The Block during this summer’s Bele Chere festival. Photo by Jonathan Welch But […]
Tag: The Block
Showing 22-27 of 27 results
Healing the past, directing the future
I moved to Asheville from Tombstone, Ariz., after searching the Net and coming upon the YMI Cultural Center’s Web site and information about the historic Block. “Wow,” I thought, “a town in the South where the black community still owns property. Got to see that!” I trace my roots to a black town called Pelham, […]
Block party returns
The Urban Trail Block Party, an event aimed at showcasing Asheville’s African-American business district known as The Block, kicks off a series of four parties beginning Saturday on Eagle and Market streets downtown.
Asheville City Council
Sign off: Prudential Lifestyle Realty on College Place is now in compliance with Asheville’s sign ordinance, having removed the sign from its east side. photo by Jonathan Welch Old controversies never die — they just keep cropping up in progress reports. Asheville City Council Members heard updates on a number of long-running disputes at their […]
Nightmare on Eagle Street
It began with a dream. A revitalized African-American business district that would pay homage to the memory of the one that had somehow managed to thrive there years before in the shadows of segregation. A vibrant, prosperous district that would empower Asheville’s contemporary black community — and, perhaps, help heal the ugly legacy of racism. […]
Asheville City Council
“I’m afraid that what has happened to our community will happen again.” — EMSDC supporter Althea Goode “Basically, this is a routine budget amendment,” observed Planning and Development Director Scott Shuford as he introduced the evening’s main event. But then, after a pause, he added, “As if anything about this project could be routine.” Shuford’s […]