Asheville Celebrating the History and Legacy of Juneteenth
The City of Asheville’s annual Juneteenth Celebration will be held June 12 – 18, 2023, in partnership with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County. Please check this website frequently for updates and announcements as participants’ confirmations are received.
Juneteenth 2023 Sponsors
2023 Sponsors
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Programs
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Buncombe County Remembrance Project
The Buncombe Community Remembrance Project aims to acknowledge and remember individuals lynched in Buncombe County, as well as to:- More accurately reflect history of racial and economic injustice and inequity
- Heal from the silent trauma surrounding racial violence
- Foster local conversation and reflections concerning community healing
- Community healing through programming and events
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COPE Program
The Community Outreach Providing Empowerment (COPE) Initiative focuses on empowering residents living in Asheville and Buncombe County through educational outreach, workshops, seminars, and special events. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County, Inc. places great emphasis on the goals of Dr. King that foster economic development, affordable housing, and self-sufficiency. -
Stand Against Racism
The Martin Luther King Association works each year with the YWCA of Asheville in support of its Stand Against Racism program.
Awards
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award
Many outstanding citizens of Asheville and surrounding areas have contributed to our community through their leadership skills and compassion. The annual award is an opportunity to acknowledge their work and honor them as role models in our civic life. -
Youth Awards & Scholarships
In late April the MLK Association honors area high school and middle school students who have demonstrated leadership, intellectual, and community engagement skills. In addition to receiving recognition awards, up to three students each year are awarded a scholarship to the university of their choice. -
Inaugural John Lewis Awards
The MLK Association celebrates and thanks the inaugural MLK Association John Lewis Award honorees for their leadership and inspiring service to our community. This award honors men in our community who have:- Fostered a culture of inclusion in the Asheville community.
- Worked to achieve a just society for the disadvantaged.
- Exemplified a nonviolent philosophy in pursuit of a better life for non-majority people.
- Inspired direct action in the cause of social justice.