8 Asheville Ways to Celebrate Black History Month & a Love of Reading in February

1.) Stream The Right to Read on Thursday, Feb 1
Connect with your Asheville and WNC community as we explore the literacy crisis and learn about the collective efforts by educators, families, and officials nationwide to address and overcome this challenge. 

Dive into the gripping reality of The Right to Read, a documentary where the unfiltered stories of an activist, a teacher, and two American families unfold and hit home. This is a true depiction of their earnest struggles and resolute efforts to secure the fundamental skill for lifelong success: the profound ability to read.

>> Click here to register to watch for free on Feb 1!
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2. ) Follow Books Alive! with Ms. Ann on Facebook
Dive into a world of enchanting read-alouds and delightful lessons in literacy - watch Books Alive! with Ms. Ann on Facebook Live each week. As a longtime community member, early childhood educator, and lover of all things reading, she shares captivating read-aloud videos for young children plus early literacy tips for families, free book giveaways, and more!

>> Follow Books Alive! on Facebook today!

3. ) Celebrate Black Children's Book Week
Sunday, Feb. 25 - Saturday, Mar. 2, 2024
R2S <3's Black Children's Book Week! This very special week, hosted by BlackBabyBooks.com, recognizes, honors, and celebrates great Black children's literature across our country and world. Explore fantastic diverse children's books with cool Black characters, communities, and cultures and Black authors and illustrators. Engage in virtual and in-person family reading events, and enjoy a week full of exciting activities!

SPECIAL ASHEVILLE EVENT: Join Asheville City Schools Foundation (ACSF) as they present "Jason Reynolds - Look Both Ways: Progress and Resistance In Creating Equitable Education."
Join ACSF for an evening with Jason Reynolds and Asheville High/SILSA high school student artists exploring 'Looking Both Ways.' Doors open at 6:15 pm for the student art show, 'Look Both Ways: How You See Me and How I See Myself.' Enjoy complimentary ice cream from The Hop and popcorn from Poppy Popcorn.

At 7 pm, hear from student winners of our spoken word contest, followed by a 40-minute presentation and reading by Jason Reynolds, with a 20-minute Q&A. Book signing at 8:15 pm for event/book signing ticket holders, including a copy of Jason Reynolds' 'Look Both Ways.

>> Click here to learn more and purchase tickets.
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4.) Listen to Black Storytelling on The Block
Friday, Feb.2, 2024, 5 PM - 7 PM
Experience Black storytelling with Noir Collective as they take you on a journey through a series of Black stories shared by playwrights, authors, and storytellers. Dive into the impactful theme of dreams—how they're held, passed down, deferred, and transformed. They'll have live music, community conversations,  a maker's market, food, drinks, and more.

>> Click here to learn more

6. Visit Local Theatre
Experience the vibrant narratives woven by Black playwrights and brought to life by talented Black casts as local and regional theaters showcase compelling plays and movies. Journey through empowering stories that delve into the rich tapestry of the Black experience and history, promising an engaging and enriching cultural exploration.

>> Click the links below to see showing times and to purchase tickets:

• Flyin' West at Asheville Community Theatre
• The Glorious World of Crowns Kinks and Curls from Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective

7.) Walk the recently completed Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail Explore the rich history of Black people in Asheville following this newly unveiled trail through the River, Southside, and Downtown. Learn how vibrant Black communities thrived, fought for social change, and contributed to the building of Asheville and its many global connections.

>> Learn more and explore the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail.

8. Sponsor a Hood Huggers Tour
Black residents of Buncombe County ride free on Hood Huggers International tours during the month of February! You can help sponsor this iniative *and* join a tour yourself. HoodHuggers walking and driving tours take residents and visitors on an interactive journey through historically Black communities and neighborhoods, diving into history, legacy, and powerful stories.

>> Learn more, sponsor, and/or book a tour today

9. Attend Virtual Racial Justice Workshops with YWCA
Don't miss your opportunity to familiarize with the concepts and shared language of racial justice in FREE racial justice workshops in Asheville. Develop a deeper understanding of how racist systems and racism present themselves differently from person to person, explore important historical events that have contributed to today's racial landscape, and learn more about the YWCA's racial justic framework.

>> Learn more and sign up today

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