
Black Experience Book Club
Community-centered literary discussions dive into Black voices, histories, and futures across the African Diaspora, with guided conversation led by Alexandria Ravenel and Buncombe County Public Libraries emphasizing historical and contemporary perspectives.
Similar Events

Community-centered literary discussion exploring books that amplify the voices, histories, and futures of the African Diaspora. Guided by YMI’s Director of Community Engagement, alexandria ravenel, in a cultural center setting.

Community-centered literary discussion exploring books that amplify the voices, histories, and futures of the African Diaspora. Guided by YMI’s Director of Community Engagement, alexandria ravenel, in a cultural center setting.
Community-centered literary discussion exploring books that amplify the voices, histories, and futures of the African Diaspora. Guided by YMI’s Director of Community Engagement, alexandria ravenel, in a cultural center setting.

Lively reader-led discussions unpack books on international politics, economics, culture, and climate change, with space to compare perspectives and connect current events to deeper historical context. Hosted in a public library setting for engaged citizens.

Lively reader-led discussions unpack books on international politics, economics, culture, and climate change, with space to compare perspectives and connect current events to deeper historical context. Hosted in a public library setting for engaged citizens.
Lively reader-led discussions unpack books on international politics, economics, culture, and climate change, with space to compare perspectives and connect current events to deeper historical context. Hosted in a public library setting for engaged citizens.

Midmorning monthly book discussion at Pack Memorial Library, meeting the second Wednesday at 10:30AM. A welcoming group that reads across genres and invites newcomers to jump into the conversation.

Midmorning monthly book discussion at Pack Memorial Library, meeting the second Wednesday at 10:30AM. A welcoming group that reads across genres and invites newcomers to jump into the conversation.
Midmorning monthly book discussion at Pack Memorial Library, meeting the second Wednesday at 10:30AM. A welcoming group that reads across genres and invites newcomers to jump into the conversation.
A vibrant jazz and soul concert series celebrating Asheville’s cultural legacy with groove-forward live sets inside the historic YMI Cultural Center. Expect rhythm-rich performances and a community-centered night in the heart of downtown.
A vibrant jazz and soul concert series celebrating Asheville’s cultural legacy with groove-forward live sets inside the historic YMI Cultural Center. Expect rhythm-rich performances and a community-centered night in the heart of downtown.
A vibrant jazz and soul concert series celebrating Asheville’s cultural legacy with groove-forward live sets inside the historic YMI Cultural Center. Expect rhythm-rich performances and a community-centered night in the heart of downtown.

Deep dive discussions of books on international politics, climate change, and global culture at Transylvania County Library, mixing close textual analysis with policy focused debate and community driven perspectives for engaged readers and adult learners.

Deep dive discussions of books on international politics, climate change, and global culture at Transylvania County Library, mixing close textual analysis with policy focused debate and community driven perspectives for engaged readers and adult learners.
Deep dive discussions of books on international politics, climate change, and global culture at Transylvania County Library, mixing close textual analysis with policy focused debate and community driven perspectives for engaged readers and adult learners.

An author talk and conversation on The Inner Passage, exploring Black resistance along a Southern waterway through documentary photography and research. Expect history, place based storytelling, and community discussion on race, land, and waterways.

An author talk and conversation on The Inner Passage, exploring Black resistance along a Southern waterway through documentary photography and research. Expect history, place based storytelling, and community discussion on race, land, and waterways.
An author talk and conversation on The Inner Passage, exploring Black resistance along a Southern waterway through documentary photography and research. Expect history, place based storytelling, and community discussion on race, land, and waterways.

Needles click and hooks loop yarn into works in progress during a relaxed knit and crochet hangout. Drop into the library community room for friendly conversation, project time, and all skill levels welcome.

Needles click and hooks loop yarn into works in progress during a relaxed knit and crochet hangout. Drop into the library community room for friendly conversation, project time, and all skill levels welcome.
Needles click and hooks loop yarn into works in progress during a relaxed knit and crochet hangout. Drop into the library community room for friendly conversation, project time, and all skill levels welcome.

A live author talk and audience Q and A with John Boyle, known as “The Answer Man,” centered on curious local questions and Asheville stories. Expect a conversational library setting with community dialogue and practical insights.

A live author talk and audience Q and A with John Boyle, known as “The Answer Man,” centered on curious local questions and Asheville stories. Expect a conversational library setting with community dialogue and practical insights.
A live author talk and audience Q and A with John Boyle, known as “The Answer Man,” centered on curious local questions and Asheville stories. Expect a conversational library setting with community dialogue and practical insights.
Interactive two-day racial equity training concentrating on foundational anti-racism frameworks, historical context, and participant skill-building through facilitated discussions and practice exercises at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church.
Interactive two-day racial equity training concentrating on foundational anti-racism frameworks, historical context, and participant skill-building through facilitated discussions and practice exercises at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church.
Interactive two-day racial equity training concentrating on foundational anti-racism frameworks, historical context, and participant skill-building through facilitated discussions and practice exercises at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church.

A weekly virtual restorative circle centered on self preservation and collective care, guided by Black facilitators. Built as an affinity space for Black or African American participants to decompress, reflect, and strengthen community practice.

A weekly virtual restorative circle centered on self preservation and collective care, guided by Black facilitators. Built as an affinity space for Black or African American participants to decompress, reflect, and strengthen community practice.
A weekly virtual restorative circle centered on self preservation and collective care, guided by Black facilitators. Built as an affinity space for Black or African American participants to decompress, reflect, and strengthen community practice.
Historian-led walking excursion through downtown Asheville, tracing key people, places, and turning points in the city’s past. Expect story-rich context, architectural details, and plenty of local trivia with a community-minded group.
Historian-led walking excursion through downtown Asheville, tracing key people, places, and turning points in the city’s past. Expect story-rich context, architectural details, and plenty of local trivia with a community-minded group.
Historian-led walking excursion through downtown Asheville, tracing key people, places, and turning points in the city’s past. Expect story-rich context, architectural details, and plenty of local trivia with a community-minded group.

Cozy evening of literary reading and community discussion in Blind Tiger's casual bar setting, where readers and writers share excerpts, recommendations, and conversation over low lights and drinks.

Cozy evening of literary reading and community discussion in Blind Tiger's casual bar setting, where readers and writers share excerpts, recommendations, and conversation over low lights and drinks.
Cozy evening of literary reading and community discussion in Blind Tiger's casual bar setting, where readers and writers share excerpts, recommendations, and conversation over low lights and drinks.

A vibrant open air Ujamaa marketplace spotlighting Black owned businesses and African diaspora artisans, with handmade goods, local food vendors, and community focused stalls at South Pack Square for a family friendly gathering.

A vibrant open air Ujamaa marketplace spotlighting Black owned businesses and African diaspora artisans, with handmade goods, local food vendors, and community focused stalls at South Pack Square for a family friendly gathering.
A vibrant open air Ujamaa marketplace spotlighting Black owned businesses and African diaspora artisans, with handmade goods, local food vendors, and community focused stalls at South Pack Square for a family friendly gathering.

A one hour behind the scenes walk through the library with staff, highlighting hidden services, collections, and how to use local resources more effectively. Ideal for newcomers and longtime patrons who want insider tips and discovery.

A one hour behind the scenes walk through the library with staff, highlighting hidden services, collections, and how to use local resources more effectively. Ideal for newcomers and longtime patrons who want insider tips and discovery.
A one hour behind the scenes walk through the library with staff, highlighting hidden services, collections, and how to use local resources more effectively. Ideal for newcomers and longtime patrons who want insider tips and discovery.

A community-wide read centered on Happy Land, a Western North Carolina novel exploring land, memory, resilience, and local history. Stop by a library discussion group or hear author historian Dolen Perkins Valdez speak at Ferguson Auditorium.

A community-wide read centered on Happy Land, a Western North Carolina novel exploring land, memory, resilience, and local history. Stop by a library discussion group or hear author historian Dolen Perkins Valdez speak at Ferguson Auditorium.
A community-wide read centered on Happy Land, a Western North Carolina novel exploring land, memory, resilience, and local history. Stop by a library discussion group or hear author historian Dolen Perkins Valdez speak at Ferguson Auditorium.

A sports romance themed book discussion hosted at a baseball stadium setting, blending athletic fandom with steamy contemporary romance reads. Expect casual conversation, reader recommendations, and community connection in a unique ballpark venue.

A sports romance themed book discussion hosted at a baseball stadium setting, blending athletic fandom with steamy contemporary romance reads. Expect casual conversation, reader recommendations, and community connection in a unique ballpark venue.
A sports romance themed book discussion hosted at a baseball stadium setting, blending athletic fandom with steamy contemporary romance reads. Expect casual conversation, reader recommendations, and community connection in a unique ballpark venue.

Lively language-enrichment story time for babies ages 4–18 months with songs, books, and early-literacy play. Caregivers stay and participate alongside their child in a welcoming neighborhood library setting.

Lively language-enrichment story time for babies ages 4–18 months with songs, books, and early-literacy play. Caregivers stay and participate alongside their child in a welcoming neighborhood library setting.
Lively language-enrichment story time for babies ages 4–18 months with songs, books, and early-literacy play. Caregivers stay and participate alongside their child in a welcoming neighborhood library setting.

Casual introvert friendly hangout with a short round of chatter, then quiet shared reading time with your own fantasy or sci fi book. Swap rants and raves afterward in a cozy indoor room or on the patio, weather permitting.

Casual introvert friendly hangout with a short round of chatter, then quiet shared reading time with your own fantasy or sci fi book. Swap rants and raves afterward in a cozy indoor room or on the patio, weather permitting.
Casual introvert friendly hangout with a short round of chatter, then quiet shared reading time with your own fantasy or sci fi book. Swap rants and raves afterward in a cozy indoor room or on the patio, weather permitting.

Guided mindfulness practice focused on present moment attention without judgment, with techniques to deepen awareness of body sensations, thoughts, and emotions. Comfortable, low pressure evening session; bring a yoga mat or towel (limited mats available).

Guided mindfulness practice focused on present moment attention without judgment, with techniques to deepen awareness of body sensations, thoughts, and emotions. Comfortable, low pressure evening session; bring a yoga mat or towel (limited mats available).
Guided mindfulness practice focused on present moment attention without judgment, with techniques to deepen awareness of body sensations, thoughts, and emotions. Comfortable, low pressure evening session; bring a yoga mat or towel (limited mats available).

Afternoon story-driven art camp blending picture-book readings with hands-on painting and mixed media projects for young artists, fostering creative play and early literacy at Black Mountain Center for the Arts.

Afternoon story-driven art camp blending picture-book readings with hands-on painting and mixed media projects for young artists, fostering creative play and early literacy at Black Mountain Center for the Arts.
Afternoon story-driven art camp blending picture-book readings with hands-on painting and mixed media projects for young artists, fostering creative play and early literacy at Black Mountain Center for the Arts.