From Staff Reports 

The Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail was officially unveiled in what was billed as a “momentous community celebation” on Dec. 15, marking the culmination of years of extensive community efforts amd opening it for the public to explore the history and resilience of Asheville’s black community, according to a Dec. 15 press release from Explore Asheville.

Explore Asheville describes itself on its website as working “on behalf of the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to support our community and tourism partners by providing free marketing opportunities.”

The release stated, “This trail celebrates the dignity, humanity and agency of black people from all backgrounds who built resilient communities and fostered social change in Asheville.During the ceremony, distinguished community members emphasized the importance of sharing stories that pay homage to the rich cultural heritage of black Asheville.”

Catherine Mitchell of River Front Development Group was quoted in the release as saying the following:

“Our goal was focused on lifting up black history in an inclusive way by illuminating stories of resilience and resourcefulness. From aspiration by the East End / Valley Street Neighborhood Association to inspiration by River Front Development Group, in partnership with Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, we’ve brought together a shared appreciation of some of the hidden lives and stories of blacks in Asheville. Through the guidance of the Black Cultural Heritage Trail Advisory Committee, we selected stories of bondage, resistance, advocacy, medical care, and entrepreneurship. The trail’s completion represents a moment of celebration, unity, and remembrance.”

The release added, “Stewarded by the River Front Development Group, an engaged community advisory group, and Explore Asheville staff, the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail shares lesser-told stories of black Ashevillians.

“The self-guided interpretive trail comprises 14 stops and 20 panels, spread across three historically significant black neighborhoods —Downtown, Southside and the River Area, also known as the River Arts District. Designed to be experienced in sections, the trail is marked by a Sankofa bird logo, encouraging trail-goers to take lessons from the past to build a brighter future. The Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail was made possible through a $500,000 Tourism Product Development Fund investment in 2018.

Al Whitesides, a member of the Buncombe County Board of  Commissioners, was quoted in the release as asserting:

“Asheville‘s Black Cultural Heritage Trail will finally tell the stories of our unsung heroes and under-recognized achievements and contributions of the black community in the past, as well as well-known landmarks in the community today, so that black communities, students and visitors can answer the question you often hear: ‘Where are the black people?’”

Also the release quoted Vic Isley, president and chief executive officer of Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, as saying the following:

“There are hundreds of fingerprints on this project that shine a spotlight on memories of tears and triumph, darkness and light, struggles and success, reckoning and resilience. The Tourism Development Authority holds immense gratitude for the many individuals who contributed to this effort. Thank you for helping document a challenging, complex and painful past for the possibility of a better and brighter future.”