Monthly Archives: December 2013

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Check out today’s story about Ujamaa Freedom Market in the Citizen Times.

Officially founded at the beginning of 2013, the business is a worker-owned cooperative mobile market designed to provide fresh local produce, healthy prepared foods and other household necessities in communities throughout Asheville on a weekly basis, focusing particularly on communities experiencing poverty and so-called “food deserts.”

Community Kwanzaa Celebration!

Seven nights of celebration of African culture led by community members. come and be inspired for the new year! We will have activities for the youth as well!

  • Thursday Dec 26 @ Firestorm Cafe & Books 6:30-8pm Phyllis Utley presenting Umoja (unity with refreshments
  • Friday Dec 27 @ Hillcrest Carl Johnson Center 6-7pm Imhotep Dlanod presenting Kujichagulia (self-determination)
  • Saturday Dec 28 @ Pisgah View Community Center 6-7pm Stephen Smith presenting Ujima (collective work & responsibility)
  • Sunday Dec 29 @ French Broad Co-Op 6-7pm. Olufemi Lewis presenting Ujama (cooperative economics)
  • Monday Dec 30 @ Dr. Wesley Grant Center 6-7pm Nia Yaa presenting Nia (purpose)
  • Tuesday Dec 31 @ Eagle Street Coffee Emporium 6-7pm Lucia White presenting Kuumb a (creativity)
  • Wednesday Jan 1 @ BeLoved House 2-4pm Tyrone Greenlee presenting Imani (faith) followed by a celebratory potluck!

Thank you to all of our presenters and host locations!

If you have any questions please call/text Bella Jackson (912) 433-5411 or Calvin Allen (828) 407-6733

RiverSong A Capella Chorus – Info Session and Auditions

Do you love to sing?  Do you enjoy spitting beats and flowing in your spare time?  Do you wish to surround yourself around a group of positive women of color?  Do you want to get paid doing what you love?  If this sounds like you and you are 18 or over, attend the info session and sign up for an audition!

RiverSong is a new a capella chorus forming here in Asheville.  Comprising exclusively of women of color from various backgrounds, RiverSong’s mission is to inspire women from racially oppressed and economically disadvantaged communities to affirm their voices through song and performance.  Many of the songs we will perform are considered traditional power songs, spanning the cultures and histories embodied in the group.  As examples of high caliber art and self-affirmation, we can uplift our communities and inspire social justice through:

  • Singing songs of cultural power and healing
  • Exhibiting high-level professionalism and dedication to the art
  • Demonstrating commitment and responsibility to the success of the group
  • Being leaders and role models in our communities
  • Getting paid at market level rates for our performances

Info session is Thursday December 12, 2013, 7pm-8pm in Hillcrest 17A.  Auditions will be scheduled at the info session.

Childcare will be provided.

Women who are also bilingual or know American Sign Language are highly encouraged to come.  Sign language interpretation will be provided.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Anastasia Yarbrough

If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to call me on my cell (901) 355-6225 or email me at anastasia.yarbrough@gmail.com.

Reynolds Miller Chorale Christmas Concert

Sunday, December 8th, 3:30 PM
St. Matthias Episcopal Church  –  1 Dundee St.   (off South Charlotte St. in Asheville)
The Reynolds Miller Chorale was formed over forty years ago by Mrs. Ollie Reynolds (named after her husband) and Mr. Quentin Miller (named after his father) and was composed of Stephens Lee High School graduates.  It has continuously provided music for the community since its inception.  The Chorale will present its annual Christmas Concert accompanied by the St. Matthias String Quartet and trumpeter. This twenty member singing group is directed by Mrs. Trevor Chavis and accompanied by Mrs. Bobette Mays on piano and Mrs. Margaret Kirkland on organ.  There is no charge for the concert; a free will contribution supports St. Matthias young members who are attending college.

Black Pages of Asheville

Thanks to Mr. Thomas Joyce, of Smooth’s DO Drop In for giving me this Black Pages directory from 2005. The Black Pages of Asheville was published by DSI Black Pages, who ran a website and published a directory that covered not only Asheville/WNC, but also Orlando/Lakeland & the Tampa Bay area. In looking through the ads and the directory I didn’t see any designation for black owned businesses, but there certainly are several. It’s a great snapshot of Asheville businesses at the time, and it’s a nice piece of history to be able to share.

Black Pages