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New Mural on Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail Unveiling

Mural representing Asheville's Black Cultural Heritage

News Summary

A new mural by artist Tommy Lee McGee will be unveiled on May 8 at The Whale: South Slope, celebrating the contributions of Asheville’s Black community. This mural marks the first public art installation in Phase II of the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail. The event will feature live music, food, and a scavenger hunt highlighting local Black-owned businesses, offering a rich experience for attendees.

Asheville – A new mural created by artist Tommy Lee McGee will be unveiled on May 8, from 3 to 5 p.m., at The Whale: South Slope, marking a significant addition to the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail. This mural represents the first public art installation of Phase II of the trail, which aims to celebrate and recognize the contributions of the Black community to Asheville’s rich history.

The mural will be located in the Southside area of Asheville, an area historically recognized as the economic and cultural center for the Black community in the city. The unveiling event will include remarks from project partners, providing attendees an opportunity to engage with the artists and organizers behind the mural.

To enhance the experience, local artists Zati and Mesi will perform live music during the event, while attendees can enjoy beverages available from The Whale and food provided by Cooking with Comedy. In addition to the mural unveiling, the event will feature a Black Cultural Heritage Trail Makers Scavenger Hunt. This interactive activity will highlight several local Black-owned businesses, including Urban Orchard, The Funkatorium, The Whale, Green Man, Chemist, Burial, and Good Hot Fish, encouraging attendees to explore the dynamic local culture.

The festivities will take place in the parking lot located between The Whale and Green Man on Buxton Avenue. The event is being hosted by Explore Asheville, the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, and the Riverfront Development Group. For those interested in attending, more information and RSVP details can be found on the website dedicated to the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail.

The Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail was officially unveiled in December 2023 but has been in development since 2018. It features three distinct walking tours: Downtown, Southside, and River Area, which together encompass a total of fourteen stops. These trails serve to educate visitors about the significant contributions of Asheville’s Black community to the city’s history and culture.

Notable stories highlighted along the trail include those of civil rights activist Nina Simone and Newton Shepard, who holds the distinction of being Asheville’s first Black elected official. The overarching goal of the trail is to share, preserve, and amplify the narratives of the Black community in Asheville, ensuring that their contributions are recognized and celebrated.

Visitors to the Black Cultural Heritage Trail can utilize modern technology, such as smartphones, to enrich their educational experience as they explore various historical locations and figures associated with Asheville’s Black history. The entire trail takes approximately two and a half hours to walk, providing ample time for visitors to reflect on the significant impacts of the Black community within the city.

As Asheville continues to honor and acknowledge its diverse cultural heritage, the unveiling of this mural and the ongoing development of the Black Cultural Heritage Trail serve as important reminders of the invaluable contributions that have shaped the community. The event on May 8 is anticipated to attract residents and visitors alike, serving as a celebration of heritage and community engagement.