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as we celebrate community throughout the year!
…And Be Warm: Programming Curatorial Statement for 25-26
The late Nikki Giovanni was a poet from Affrilachia who wrote a poem entitled, “Knoxville Tennessee,” about visiting her grandmother’s house and feeling the kind of warmth that made for loving relationships. She reminisces on the colocation of time, space, hospitality, familiarity and memory in this work. Thus, as we return home from the journey of renovation in every possible way, we ready ourselves to throw open our doors to welcome our many constituents into our spaces. We are excited to convene community, celebrate successes, educate, empower, and embrace wellness.
This year’s slate of programming seeks to consider what it means to embody a spirit of TERANGA, the Senegalese Wolof word for “good/radical hospitality.” For sure, we seek to be a place or radical hospitality, asking how can we serve our community better. At the same time, we raise questions about hospitality and tourism and how our Black histories are tethered to the legacies of those industries. We ask, “what can we learn from our unique past in the mountains, where snow and ice must be tempered by invitations of warmth and comfort?”
We invite our communities - local, regional, and national - to experience a renaissance in the hills, where we seek to gather as often as we can to be as warm as a visit to our “grandma’s” house, as enlightened as when we cook greens with our “aunties,” and with all the joy as when our uncles stop by to sit on the porch and make us laugh. We invite all who come home to the YMI Cultural center, to come on in… “and be warm.”
Portraits of Dignity: Do You See Me Now
Imagine making visible what most people overlook. Through portraiture and painting, Joseph Pearson turns his gaze toward everyday people—those too often forgotten or unseen. In his work, these individuals are rendered visible, honored, and affirmed. Pearson’s art insists on dignity for every subject and every story.
Experience these powerful works from January through March in Portraits of Dignity: Do You See Me Now?
Applications for the Kujichagulia Organizations in Residence
This application-based program prioritizes groups whose missions align with YMI's commitment to empowering Black communities. Participants also gain opportunities for community service, cross-collaboration, and infrastructure development, fostering collective progress. Rooted in Kujichagulia, this initiative empowers organizations to define, create, and sustain their futures while making a lasting community impact.
Art Earth & Soul Kollective Art Show
The exhibition is the culmination of a multi-year collaboration between theologians, pastors, and artists who have been examining how bodies, memory, ritual, and power shape communities. What began as academic inquiry evolved into creative practice once it became clear that these questions demanded more than policy or theory, they required art.
Rather than offering definitive answers, The Art Earth and Soul Kollective invites viewers to sit with tension, contradiction, and imagination. Themes of displacement, gentrification, community, resilience, and spirituality appear across visual, sonic, spatial, and narrative works that ask us to consider what it means to belong and who gets to decide.
YMI’s 133rd Birthday: Lovers’ Lounge
In Honor of YMI’s 133rd Birthday, Lovers’ Lounge is an intimate evening of Neo-Soul, connection, and culture at the historic YMI Cultural Center. Curated for singles and couples alike, this lounge-style experience invites guests to slow down, gather, and celebrate love, legacy, and Black cultural expression in a warm, elevated atmosphere. The evening begins with a cocktail hour at 7:00 PM, creating space to mix, connect, and settle into the vibe. As the night unfolds, guests will enjoy live Neo-Soul performances by Full Effect Band, filling the room with sound that’s rich, soulful, and timeless. Set against the backdrop of YMI’s 133-year legacy, Lovers’ Lounge blends music, ambiance, and intention—offering a night that feels both nostalgic and present, celebratory and intimate.
Geneaology Workshop with Brian Sheffey: Tracing Our Roots. Honoring Our Stories
Join the YMI Cultural Center for a welcoming genealogy workshop centered on community, memory, and legacy. This gathering invites participants to explore family history as a shared practice—one that honors ancestors, preserves stories, and connects personal journeys to our collective past.
The Black Tie Wedding & Special Event Expo
February 22 | 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM | YMI Cultural Center
Join us for an inaugural showcase celebrating Black creativity and businesses in event and wedding services across the region. This special events and wedding fair is designed to highlight multicultural vendors who specialize in bringing meaningful, memorable experiences to life—from caterers and planners to photographers, designers, and beyond.
Vendors are invited to participate and connect directly with couples, organizations, and community members seeking culturally responsive, high-quality event professionals. Vendor registration is open through February 15, with a low-cost vending fee to encourage broad participation and a diverse range of businesses.
Vendors are encouraged to come prepared to make the most of this opportunity by bringing samples, business cards, and pricing or service sheets to share with prospective clients. Musicians and entertainment professionals may register for 30-minute showcase blocks to highlight their talents as DJs or live performers throughout the day. In addition, basement classroom spaces will be available for vendors who wish to collaborate and fully transform a space - creating immersive displays/experiences to demonstrate complete event and wedding design concepts.
Be part of a vibrant day of connection, visibility, and community as we uplift and invest in Black (and Brown)-owned businesses.
Black History Month Cake & Sip
M & G Events presents Black History Month: Cake & Sip at YMI
For just $55 per person, come learn the art of cake decorating in a fun, hands-on experience. Your cake, decorating tools, and libations are all included—just bring your creativity.
Join us on the first day of Black History Month for something sweet, decadent, and joy-filled.
Celebrating Blackness through cake and community.
The 2nd Annual YMI Honors
Come celebrate the roaring twenties and wrap up Black History Month by joining us for a night of appreciation, celebration, and acknowledgment, recognizing those who are trailblazers and unsung heroes in our community. We also introduce our Kujichagulia Organizations-in-Residence Program, our Kuumba Artists-in-Residence, and a few other surprises, as you eat a sumptuous dinner, listening to Kelle Jolly and Will Boyd. Secure your ticket in advance!
Cocktail attire should be observed, inspired by the Harlem Renaissance.
3rd Annual Black Storytellers Event
Join us for our 3rd Annual Black Storytellers event, an evening dedicated to honoring Black voices, stories, and creative expression in celebration of Black History Month. This year, we are spotlighting the power of storytelling through literature and live performance, featuring authors and artists whose work reflects the depth, resilience, and lived experiences of Black communities.
Portraits of Dignity: Do You See Me Now Reception
Imagine making visible what most people overlook. Through portraiture and painting, Joseph Pearson turns his gaze toward everyday people—those too often forgotten or unseen. In his work, these individuals are rendered visible, honored, and affirmed. Pearson’s art insists on dignity for every subject and every story.
Experience these powerful works from January through March in Portraits of Dignity: Do You See Me Now?
The YMI Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
Join us this year for an evening of storytelling, drumming, reflection, candle-lighting, African dance, and community connection. We invite you to wear your ancestral or African attire and to take part in this meaningful celebration. Guests are encouraged to bring a side dish or dessert to share—along with the recipe—to honor our tradition of collective sharing.
Space is limited, and while tickets are free to the public, we ask that you register on Eventbrite to reserve your spot. Should you wish to participate in the ceremony, please email us at info@ymiculturalcenter.org.
YMI Banjul-Banjo Series Presents Jazz & Soul Sessions SATURDAY EDITION
Join the YMI for an unforgettable Jazz & Soul Session featuring Kelle Jolly and the Will Boyd Project!
YMI Banjul-Banjo Series Presents Jazz & Soul Sessions
Join the YMI for an unforgettable Jazz & Soul Session featuring Kelle Jolly and the Will Boyd Project!
Black Santa: A Visit From the North Pole
You’ve asked for it, we’ve made it possible. So we got on the phone to the North Pole and asked for them to send Santa Down to take pictures and take last minute requests. On Tuesday, December 23rd, Black Santa will be visiting the YMI for pictures and to drop off last minute letters. Meet us on the corner of Eagle and Market Street for Black Santa.
The Asheville Divine Nine presents The Ugly Sweater Day Party
Get ready to show off your tackiest holiday sweater at the Ugly Sweater Day Party - it's going to be a blast with the Asheville Divine Nine!
Tickets available on Eventbrite
A Funky Holiday Jam: John Brown Live
Join us for a memorable evening at the YMI Cultural Center! In cooperation with the Alphas of Asheville, we together present A Funky Holiday Jam: John Brown Live - a night of funk, jazz, and libations. Tickets are available on Zeffy!
Festival of The People: The Goombay Archive (Art Exhibition)
Join us as we explore more than 40 years of Goombay history through the YMI’s archives. “Festival of a People” offers a retrospective of Asheville’s beloved Goombay Festival—tracing its beginnings from a fledgling community gathering to the cultural anchor it is today. Step back in time with us as we honor the past, uplift the present, and celebrate Goombay in this special “bridge” art exhibition.
Let There Be Light: An Investment In The YMI
Invest in the YMI as we seek to create a beautiful Afro-Future by honoring our past and present as the oldest Black Culture center in the nation, nestled in the mountain community of Asheville!
Let There Be Light: "The Hanging of The Greens" & And A Day of Giving
Come join us for a joyful day of giving as we welcome the holiday season by Hanging the Greens throughout the YMI and decking the center in style!
YMI Banjul-Banjo Series Presents Jazz & Soul Sessions SATURDAY EDITION
Join the YMI for an unforgettable Jazz & Soul Session featuring Kelle Jolly and the Will Boyd Project!
YMI Banjul-Banjo Series Presents Jazz & Soul Sessions
Join the YMI for an unforgettable Jazz & Soul Session featuring Kelle Jolly and the Will Boyd Project!
Black Experience Book Club - Black Book Swap Edition
Join us for The Black Experience Book Club, a monthly gathering held every fourth Thursday at either the YMI Cultural Center’s Art Gallery or just around the corner at Noir Collective AVL. This community-centered series is hosted by alexandria ravenel, YMI’s Director of Community Engagement, and is designed to explore literature that centers the voices, histories, and futures of the African Diaspora. For location details or to RSVP, please contact alexandria ravenel directly at alexandria@ymiculturalcenter.org.
A Haunted Souls Soiree: The Return of Blacula
Pop out and wear your favorite Black costume as we celebrate the season right before things get really spooky! Join us for a night of fun, film, fellowship, and snacks!
YMI Banjul-Banjo Series Presents Jazz & Soul Sessions SATURDAY EDITION
Join the YMI for an unforgettable Jazz & Soul Session featuring Kelle Jolly and the Will Boyd Project!
YMI Banjul-Banjo Series Presents Jazz & Soul Sessions
Join the YMI for an unforgettable Jazz & Soul Session featuring Kelle Jolly and the Will Boyd Project!
Black Experience Book Club
Join us for The Black Experience Book Club, a monthly gathering held every fourth Thursday at either the YMI Cultural Center’s Art Gallery or just around the corner at Noir Collective AVL. This community-centered series is hosted by alexandria ravenel, YMI’s Director of Community Engagement, and is designed to explore literature that centers the voices, histories, and futures of the African Diaspora. For location details or to RSVP, please contact alexandria ravenel directly at alexandria@ymiculturalcenter.org.
The Premiere of "Urban Renewal Impact" by Todd Gragg
YMI is proud to host the premiere of Urban Renewal Impact, a powerful new film from filmmaker Todd Gragg and researcher Priscilla Robinson. Building on their acclaimed documentary Black in Asheville, this film uncovers the lasting impact of urban renewal on Asheville’s Black community.
Music In Common with Leaf Global Arts & YMI
Join us for a live music experience in celebration of the upcoming LEAF Festival! Music In Common brings dynamic artists to the YMI Auditorium for an unforgettable evening of genre-blending sound and community connection.
Crowned In Glory Demonstration & Conversation with Geraldine Settles
The Gallery @ YMI’s welcomes Geraldine “Jerrie” Settles, Kuumba Artist in Residence, for a new exhibit showcasing her unique watercolor, ink, and digital art. The show, entitled “Crowned in Glory,” focuses on themes of family, history, and faith.
Crowned In Glory Live Painting, Art Talk & Artist Reception - A Part of Goombay
The Gallery @ YMI’s welcomes Geraldine “Jerrie” Settles, Kuumba Artist in Residence, for a new exhibit showcasing her unique watercolor, ink, and digital art. The show, entitled “Crowned in Glory,” focuses on themes of family, history, and faith.
Outside Woman by Valeria Watson Exhibition
Step into Outside Woman, an immersive exhibition by artist Valeria Watson, housed in the YMI Suites. Avant-garde and interactive, Outside Woman asks onlookers to bring an open mind, ready to engage with art that is as alive and layered as the stories it tells.
Black Experience Book Club
Join us for The Black Experience Book Club, a monthly gathering held every fourth Thursday at either the YMI Cultural Center’s Art Gallery or just around the corner at Noir Collective AVL. This community-centered series is hosted by alexandria ravenel, YMI’s Director of Community Engagement, and is designed to explore literature that centers the voices, histories, and futures of the African Diaspora. For location details or to RSVP, please contact alexandria ravenel directly at alexandria@ymiculturalcenter.org.
Crowned In Glory Art Exhibition
The Gallery @ YMI’s welcomes Geraldine “Jerrie” Settles, Kuumba Artist in Residence, for a new exhibit showcasing her unique watercolor, ink, and digital art. The show, entitled “Crowned in Glory,” focuses on themes of family, history, and faith.
From Mike Wiley Productions: Tired Souls: King and the Montgomery Bus Boycott
Presented in partnership with North Carolina Stage Company and Mike Wiley Productions.
The YMI Cultural Center is proud to host Tired Souls: King and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a powerful stage production that brings to life the early days of the Civil Rights Movement and the pivotal leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Goombay “Got” Talent
Calling all Asheville area performers! It’s time to show us what you got so that we can add you to the Goombay lineup! Bring your talents to the YMI for one night only and sing your song, play your instrument, tell your jokes, speak your poem, and dance your heart out. We want to make you a local celebrity! Join us for an Asheville talent show like none other!
First Fridays on The Block: A 2 for 1
Join us this Friday for our monthly First Friday’s on the Block! You’ll find Affrilachian Artist Jenny Pickens in the Art Gallery as we close her exhibition! And on the Block, you’ll find a few of our Affrilachian village artisans selling goods in preparation for Goombay.