From the start, City Manager Debra Campbell said Asheville’s 30/60/90 Day Plan was only the beginning and would serve as a foundation for a more holistic approach to incorporating racial equity into City operations. At the Dec. 8 City Council meeting, she unveiled the next step and it is intended to be a step that [...]
The Office of Equity and Inclusion application for racial healing grants for local nonprofits are now available. This is the second year of funding, and like last year, the grant amount up to $4,999 aims to support existing projects in Asheville that promote racial healing, reconciliation, and/or transformation in Asheville communities. The [...]
By Nia Davis Asheville Office of Equity and Inclusion Did you know November is Native American Heritage Month? Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the diverse cultures and traditions of Native people. As we spend everyday on stolen land, let’s reflect on the importance of uplifting [...]
At their Oct. 27 meeting, Asheville City Council adopted a new race and gender-conscious policy. Why have this policy Small businesses are the backbone of the Asheville economy. The vast majority of local employers are small private firms, and many are minority-, women-, and veteran-owned. Strengthening opportunities for small and diverse businesses strengthens [...]
Advancing racial equity and social justice consists of many efforts working in concert with each other to promote larger societal change. This is not a one-off effort, nor the sole work of one department. It’s a team effort that has to be blended into all City of Asheville departments, folded into our mission to provide [...]
Welcome to Hispanic Heritage Month. The celebration of Hispanic Heritage is “marked” from Sept. 15 - Oct. 15. I could go into some more historical information or talk about some of the Latinx greats like Selena, Frida Kahlo, Dolores Huerta, Cesar Chavez, etc. but because Hispanic Heritage should be celebrated every day of the year, I want to use this opportunity to talk about our collective survival. Let me tell you what I mean by that but first, do you know where your food comes from?
As we return to school during these unprecedented times, I can't help but reflect on the life-changing events of 2020. As a young person witnessing history, I think about how this moment will be taught to future generations. I also think about how my generation has been taught about history.
Reparations has long been a hot-button topic that even the mention of it brings impassioned jubilation, overwhelming concern, or somewhere in between. The conversation around reparations isn’t new; in fact the idea of atoning for the sins of slavery has been around since the Civil War.
In June of every year, Pride Month is celebrated by the LGBTQIA+ community across the country. While Pride is a celebration of visibility, equality, and self-affirmation; it is necessary to remember that Pride commemorates the 1969 Stonewall riots. The first Pride was a protest against police brutality and oppression.