The City of Asheville is pleased to announce a new event production contract with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Asheville & Buncombe County to provide a week-long celebration of Juneteenth for the community titled, “Celebrating the History and Legacy of Juneteenth.”
The 2023 celebration will focus on educating individuals about Juneteenth, spotlighting non-majority businesses, providing spaces for “Black Asheville,” as well as all residents, and involving youth as future leaders in the region. “Celebrating the History and Legacy of Juneteenth,” seeks to partner with other organizations whose mission is to attract locals to the downtown area, promote education pertaining to contributions of local Black residents and families, as well as attract a diverse population to Asheville. “Celebrating the History and Legacy of Juneteenth” has several components that will occur throughout the week including a poster contest, local artists’ exhibits, and lunch & learn sessions, all leading up to a culminating weekend festival of Juneteenth at Pack Square Park. For more information, please visit their website.
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville & Buncombe County has a long history of community outreach, engagement, and educational programming for over forty years in the local community. The Association is best known for its annual Prayer Breakfast and Peace March & Rally, in partnership with the City of Asheville, which brings approximately 1,200 diverse citizens and community leaders together. The Association also sponsors the Candlelight Service Awards honoring community leaders, the annual Youth Celebration (High School Scholarship Awards Program), and community events focusing on social justice and equity through its Community Outreach Providing Empowerment (COPE) Program. The COPE Program empowers residents living in Asheville and Buncombe County through educational outreach, workshops, seminars, and special events.
Outdoor public space event permitting and event production contracts are facilitated by the Office of Special Events, a division of the City of Asheville Department of Community & Regional Entertainment Facilities. The Department of Community & Regional Entertainment Facilities manages a unique collection of sporting & entertainment facilities and operations. Over 1.5 Million people participate in programs or attend events at the facilities, including the Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville, ExploreAsheville.com Arena, Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, WNC Nature Center, McCormick Field, Aston Park Tennis Center, John B Lewis Soccer Complex and outdoor events within parks and public spaces, permitted by the City’s Office of Special Events.