Organized by The Block:
Join us for "Juneteenth on the Block," an all-day celebration in Asheville, NC, to commemorate Juneteenth. The Block neighborhood will come alive with various pop-in events hosted by neighbors from 4-7pm. The festivities will culminate in an evening gathering at The Foundry’s Workshop Lounge, where we will enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and fellowship. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community, celebrate freedom, and honor this historic day. Don’t miss out on this vibrant and meaningful event with LEAF Global Arts, PennyCup Coffee, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Noir Collective, Asheville Crafted Edge, JD Ellison & Company, and more!

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We're pleased to share that we're on the cusp of moving back into our newly renovated building! It's been a journey, and we're thrilled to see it come to fruition. As we prepare for our return, we've uncovered some wonderful items that we're offering to the community.

Join us this Saturday for a special community sale where you'll find great deals on a variety of items. Drop by the corner suite between 9am and 1pm to browse and shop!

A new day is on the horizon for the YMI Cultural Center, and we would like to invite you on a Hard Hat Tour to share our excitement for the rehabilitation of the 130-year-old historical landmark, the cornerstone of The Block and the Black experience in Asheville.

Please join us for a sneak peek of our upgraded facility and new venue spaces ideally suited for meetings, events, workshops and more.

Tour date options: August 16, August 30, September 13 & September 27

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• You will be walking through a construction site. Please wear closed-toe shoes.

• The elevator is not in service so climbing stairs will be required to experience the full tour.

• Hard hats will be provided.

• Tours will last approximately 45-minutes.

A new day is on the horizon for the YMI Cultural Center, and we would like to invite you on a Hard Hat Tour to share our excitement for the rehabilitation of the 130-year-old historical landmark, the cornerstone of The Block and the Black experience in Asheville.

Please join us for a sneak peek of our upgraded facility and new venue spaces ideally suited for meetings, events, workshops and more.

Tour date options: August 16, August 30, September 13 & September 27

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• You will be walking through a construction site. Please wear closed-toe shoes.

• The elevator is not in service so climbing stairs will be required to experience the full tour.

• Hard hats will be provided.

• Tours will last approximately 45-minutes.

A new day is on the horizon for the YMI Cultural Center, and we would like to invite you on a Hard Hat Tour to share our excitement for the rehabilitation of the 130-year-old historical landmark, the cornerstone of The Block and the Black experience in Asheville.

Please join us for a sneak peek of our upgraded facility and new venue spaces ideally suited for meetings, events, workshops and more.

Tour date options: August 16 & August 30.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• You will be walking through a construction site. Please wear closed-toe shoes.

• The elevator is not in service so climbing stairs will be required to experience the full tour.

• Hard hats will be provided.

• Tours will last approximately 45-minutes.

YMI Cultural Center honors The Past, Present and Future alongside the East End Valley Street neighborhood by co-hosting this year's Community Heritage Festival!

Looking for a family-friendly event that celebrates the rich heritage of Asheville's oldest African-American neighborhood? Then you won't want to miss the 2023 East End/Valley Street Community Heritage Festival!

The Community Heritage Festival will be held on Saturday, August 26th, from 10am to 10pm in the East End/Valley Street neighborhood’s MLK Park, located at 50 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. The festival promises to be an unforgettable experience, featuring live music, vendors, food trucks, and a children's area that will be open from 10am to 7pm.

The East End/Valley Street Community Heritage Festival Parade will kick off the festivities at 10am on Saturday, August 26 from the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Alexander Drive, and end at MLK Park. This spectacular parade is a celebration of the community's rich history and culture, and sets the stage for a day filled with fun.

This year's theme is Heritage: Past, Present, Future. We invite everyone to join us in honoring the past, embracing the present, and looking forward to a bright and exciting future. This is an alcohol-free, family-friendly festival, so bring your loved ones and enjoy a day filled with laughter, learning, and fun. Please note that animals are not permitted at the festival.

​So mark your calendars for August 26th and come celebrate with us at the 2023 East End/Valley Street Community Heritage Festival! Everyone is welcome to join in the festivities and experience the unique culture and history of this amazing community. 

Location:
50 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
Asheville, NC 28801

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

For more information, visit East End/Valley Street.

A new day is on the horizon for the YMI Cultural Center, and we would like to invite you on a Hard Hat Tour to share our excitement for the rehabilitation of the 130-year-old historical landmark, the cornerstone of The Block and the Black experience in Asheville.

Please join us for a sneak peek of our upgraded facility and new venue spaces ideally suited for meetings, events, workshops and more.

Tour date options: August 16 & August 30.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• You will be walking through a construction site. Please wear closed-toe shoes.

• The elevator is not in service so climbing stairs will be required to experience the full tour.

• Hard hats will be provided.

• Tours will last approximately 45-minutes.

A new day is on the horizon for the YMI Cultural Center, and we would like to invite you on a Hard Hat Tour to share our excitement for the rehabilitation of the 130-year-old historical landmark, the cornerstone of The Block and the Black experience in Asheville.

Please join us for a sneak peek of our upgraded facility and new venue spaces ideally suited for meetings, events, workshops and more.

Tour date options: June 14, June 28, July 14 and July 26.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• You will be walking through a construction site. Please wear closed-toe shoes.

• The elevator is not in service so climbing stairs will be required to experience the full tour.

• Hard hats will be provided.

• Tours will last approximately 45-minutes.

"Brothers Brunch" exposes men to a new and dynamic bonding experience with generations upon generations that complements the wealth of the simple concept of... conversation. This experience is a cultural emergence which fosters professional and personal connections that result in both new and renewed bonds being built and developed BY MEN OF COLOR OF ALL AGES!

Self-Help Credit Union and the YMI Cultural Center are officially launching "Successful Transitions: Scaling The Benefit Cliff". This series of free classes will provide financial education for people preparing to make secure decisions in their transitions in life.

This series of free class will provide financial management education for people to support their transitions in life.

The YMI Cultural Center hosts Black History Brunch. Speeches, poems, songs, and performances from the most amazing talents. Food is also provided for those attending. This event’s main purpose to open Black history month and get to know, experience, and learn about and from Black Asheville. It is an event where people could get entertained but also educated on Black History. Join us at the YMI Cultural Center on Feb. 19th from 10am – 1pm.

The YMI Cultural Center is turning a 129 years old and you're invited to help us celebrate! Join us as we celebrate a rich African-American history.