In This Issue | June 16, 2023
Juneteenth | Pride Month | Public Safety Initiative Survey | LIFT Committee Application | Welcome New Partners | Affrilachian Gathering | Who's Coming to Town | Mark Your Calendar | National Spotlights
CELEBRATING OUR COMMUNITY
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| Remember, Honor, and Celebrate Juneteenth |
Juneteenth commemorates the official end of slavery on June 19, 1865, when news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached enslaved people in Texas — two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the proclamation. This holiday serves as an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the achievements of Asheville and Buncombe County’s Black community.
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Asheville & Buncombe County and the City of Asheville are hosting a week-long celebration that includes Black Asheville 411 lunch and learn sessions, local Black and Brown artists tours, a Black film series, concluding with a weekend festival celebration at Pack Square Plaza.
Looking for a new way to honor the rich heritage of our Black community? We recommend supporting local Black businesses or exploring Black-owned farms and gardening experiences.
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| Celebrate Self-Affirmation, Dignity, Equality, and Visibility |
Pride Month not only highlights the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges facing that community. This month-long celebration honors the freedom of true self-expression and commemorates the ongoing struggle for acceptance and equality. Embracing deep historical roots, Pride’s origins trace back to the Stonewall uprising in June 1969, which ignited the modern gay rights movement. While Blue Ridge Pride, Western North Carolina’s largest Pride gathering, won’t take place until September, there are still plenty of spirited events taking place in Asheville this month.
| Top Events to Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month |
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PARTNER RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES
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| Share Your Feedback on the Downtown Public Safety Intiative |
The City of Asheville launched a 60-day initiative on May 1 to address safety-related conditions downtown. Please take a few minutes to share your recent experiences as a business owner, employee, resident, or visitor to downtown in this survey.
The survey will remain open through Friday, June 30. Responses received by end of day Tuesday, June 20, will be shared at the City's internal team retreat on June 22.
| Impacts of Downtown Safety Intiative Survey |
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| Time to Apply for LIFT Committee Seat |
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) is seeking candidates for the forthcoming Legacy Investment From Tourism (LIFT) Committee. This committee will make recommendations to the BCTDA to invest in tourism-related capital projects that will increase patronage at lodging facilities in Buncombe County by attracting visitors, business travelers, or both, and benefit the community at large in Buncombe County.
The BCTDA is accepting applications until July 7. A nominating committee will review applications, conduct interviews in July and August, and provide their LIFT Committee appointment recommendations to the BCTDA in the August board meeting.
| Legacy Investment From Tourism (LIFT) Fund Committee Application |
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| NOMADNESS Partnership Brings Affrilachia to ATL |
| Black Asheville Creatives Showcase Cultural Heritage Through Food |
Explore Asheville teamed up with Nomadness Travel Tribe to host an event for the BIPOC travel network’s Atlanta-based members. The Affrilachian gathering brought together 60 Black travel writers and influencers for an intimate dinner prepared by Chef Ashleigh Shanti. This event positioned Asheville as a destination that welcomes diversity, highlighting the outdoors through conversations about Black food traditions and its ties to the land.
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With the support of our partners (like you!), Explore Asheville is expected to generate more than a $3M economic impact by attracting large groups to Buncombe County from now until July 15. Our sales team tailors each visit so that all guests have a quality experience and gain access to meet and support local businesses, makers, and community members.
Meetings and Conventions
June 16–22 | Alabama National Gas Association
July 11–16 | Society of Pediatric Dermatology
Sports and Athletic Events
June 16–17 and 23–24 | Carpetbagger Lacrosse
July 11–15 | Asheville Open Tennis Championship
July 14–16 | Suarez Gran Fondo Asheville
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The regular monthly meeting of Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) will take place in the Ingles Mt. View Room of the Sherill Center at UNC Asheville (227 Campus Drive) beginning at 9 am, Wednesday, June, 28. All board meetings are open to the public, and the agenda will be posted 48 hours in advance. Following the meeting, all materials will be posted here.
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- The Washington Post | The Latest Hot Food Destination is Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains
- MSN | Kickstart Your Day with these Top Asheville Coffee Shops
- Parade | 20+ Must-See Destinations for Book Lovers to Transport You to a Whole Different World
- MSN | Where are the Best Asheville Hiking Trails?
- World Bride | Getting Hitched in North Carolina
EXPLORE ASHEVILLE'S STRATEGIC PILLARS
Delivering Balanced Recovery & Sustainable Growth | Encouraging Safe & Responsible Travel |
Engaging & Inviting More Diverse Audiences | Promoting & Supporting Asheville's Creative Spirit
| Follow Our Progress |
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