M.A.R.C.H Newsletter: June 2026
This e-newsletter shares what the MLK Association and its Community Outreach Providing Empowerment (COPE) Program is doing and offers other news, events, and stories that align with its efforts. Below are some items that are noteworthy.
As always, feel free to share any or all of these items or the entire e-newsletter.
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County, Inc., in partnership with the City of Asheville will host and promote a week of free events to celebrate, remember, observe, and honor the feelings of hope and progress Juneteenth inspires. These events include community celebrations, music, food, and dancing, Asheville’s Downtown After 5, and our celebration gala!
“Celebrating the Community” The annual memorial program of civil rights activists James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner, who were murdered on June 21, 1964. And the debut of a documentary video on the history and work of the MLK Association, highlighting the life of Dr. Oralene Simmons, the creation of the Asheville Prayer Breakfast, and the impact the MLK Association has had on WNC.
5:30pm-8pm at Stephens-Lee Community Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave. Asheville, NC 28801 Location
“Black Asheville 411” is a panel discussion about celebrating Asheville’s Black community throughout the year. Representatives of organizations that hold African American centered events in Asheville [Just Folks – Triangle Park events, The Block Collaborative – Ujamaa Marketplace, Grind AVL – Grindfest, YMI Cultural Center – Goombay, TheLegacy Neighborhoods Coalition – Village Fest] will discuss their organization, their history/purpose, their event, and their goals.
5:30pm-7pm at Stephens-Lee Community Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave. Asheville, NC 28801 Location
The MLK Association proudly promotes a Umoja Health, Wellness and Justice Collective event, LEGENDARY: Celebrating The Legacy of John R. Hayes. After he passed in 2021, the City of Asheville proclaimed June 18 as John R. Hayes Day to honor his decades of racial justice leadership.
This event will feature a live performance by the John R. Hayes Highsteppin’ Majorettes and Drum Corps at 6p followed by a program inside the event space with remarks from community leaders and screening of selections from an in-progress documentary about Elder Hayes and his legacy.
Free food will be provided by community partner Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ, with a cash bar and event space provided by community partner Burial Beer. This event is open to the public with general admission (standing room only) available for a $15 suggested donation and limited reserved seating available for $50. Proceeds benefit the non-profit Umoja Health Wellness & Justice Collective, which carries forward the legacy that began with John R. Hayes.
Eulogy, 10 Buxton Ave. Asheville, NC 28801 Location
The MLK Association proudly promotes The Block Collaborative (Noir Collective, Penny Cup, Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation, YMI) Celebrate Juneteenth on The Block! See the full schedule and updates at VisitTheBlock.com
Noon-8pm at Eagle and Market Streets, Downtown Asheville Location
The City of Asheville’s Downtown After 5 is an evening of music, food, as the citizens of Asheville, their WNC neighbors, and visitors to the area come together to celebrate Juneteenth, and the spirit of community and joy it represents.
5pm-9pm at Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza, Ashville, NC 28801 Location
The MLK Association’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration Gala and fashion show! A celebration of Juneteenth, also known as Jubilation Day! Free to the public with music, dancing, and food provided by Kente Kitchen, along with tradition of attendees having a chance to walk the aisle to show-off their African and prolific attire!
Reserve your individual ticket HERE. To reserve a group of tickets please contact Dr. Oralene Simmons at either ogsimmons@att.net or (828) 281-1624
6pm-9pm at AB-Tech Conference Center, 16 Fernihurst Dr., Asheville, NC 28801 Location