African American Heritage Commission, Special Meeting – April 18, 2024
April 18, 2024 at 3:34 PM
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Event Recap
African American Heritage Commission Special Meeting Recap – April 18, 2024
On April 18, 2024, the African American Heritage Commission held a special virtual meeting to discuss ongoing initiatives and strategize for future engagement within Asheville and Buncombe County. The commission, which advises the City Council and County Commissioners on matters related to African American arts, history, and culture, focused its discussion on branding, upcoming events, and defining clear goals for the organization. While no formal votes were taken due to a lack of quorum, several important decisions and action items emerged from the meeting.
A significant portion of the discussion centered around how the Commission can best represent itself and its work to the community. Currently, due to its joint city/county structure, the Commission lacks independent branding authority. However, members agreed to explore options for limited branding efforts that incorporate both the City and County logos – potentially on table cloths or banners. This will allow for a more visible presence at community events and provide a consistent visual identity. The upcoming Jamboree on April 27th, held at PAX Square, was a key focus of this discussion. Commissioners discussed securing tents (potentially through Parks and Recreation) and creating branded materials to enhance the event’s visibility.
Beyond branding, the meeting highlighted several important community events and initiatives. Manaya Merritt announced upcoming meetings related to reparations efforts (April 22nd at Harris Civic Center) and the community engagement Jamboree. Leonard Jones provided an update on the "One Book, One Buncombe" discussion surrounding “The Violin Conspiracy,” also taking place on April 27th. Concerns were raised regarding the proposed Business Improvement District (BID), with some participants questioning its potential impact on community members and hiring practices. This underscores the Commission's role in ensuring that any development benefits, rather than burdens, the African American community.
Looking ahead, Commissioner Devolo strongly advocated for the Commission to identify a few key goals and develop a clear message to communicate its purpose effectively. To that end, all commission members are being asked to submit suggestions for 3-5 key goals to Manaya Merritt. The group also discussed the opportunity to participate in WROS radio broadcasts (every other Tuesday) as a way to reach a wider audience and share information about the Commission’s work. Finally, staff will investigate the status of a previously discussed street naming initiative and provide an update to the commission.
What's Next & Why It Matters:
The meeting demonstrated a commitment to strengthening the Commission’s connection with the community. Residents can expect to see increased visibility at events like the Jamboree, and ongoing efforts to engage in conversations about important issues like the Business Improvement District. The Commission's focus on defining clear goals and developing a consistent message will be crucial in ensuring its effectiveness. Citizens are encouraged to share information about the open commission seat within their networks, and to stay informed about upcoming events by following the Commission’s activities. The coming weeks will see action taken on securing event resources, investigating branding options, and refining the Commission's strategic direction – all aimed at better serving and representing the African American community in Asheville and Buncombe County.