What to know before you arrive.
What to know before you arrive.
W(HERE) are the Black people?
Locals and Visitors alike ask this question!
We are HERE. I assure you. Referencing the US Census Bureau, 2022, Asheville’s population is 93,776 humans.
Here are the stats by “race”: Black or African American alone, 10.9%; American Indian and Alaska Native alone, 0.4%; Asian alone, 1.3%; Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander alone, 0.3%; Two or more races, 4.2%; Hispanic or Latino, 7.9%.
For the latest in the state of Black Asheville, go to the State of Black Asheville project, created and led by Dr. Mullen, former UNCA professor and former Chair of AVL’s Reparation’s Commission. Also to read about the effects of Urban Renewal on African Americans in Asheville, please read this article in the URBAN NEWS, November 2025 as well as the work of Urban Renewal Impact, research led by Pricilla Robinson, .
For a listing of Black-owned businesses, go to Yoruba Life, created by Jeremiah Robinson. Also, there is an interactive Facebook page for Asheville Area Black Business Owners, Professionals & Entrepreneurs, where you can listen to the discussions and find events for us and by us.
What to do when you get Here
Where to Get a Great Meal –
click on the images
Plus coffee and dessert, too!
Soul Food - In Montford Neighborhood
Jamaican - Asheville Mall
Ethiopian - Downtown
Wings & Lounge - West AVL
Global Street Food - Downtown
Downtown - Southside
Sweets - In person (West Avl) or Order for delivery
Reopening soon (we hope)
Relax your mind and your body at these two Black & BIPOC practitioners
Click on the images:
Schedule a Drop In here.
Another Black-owned business for shopping
Looking for BLACK Asheville Night Life?
Curated Events by OGSynergy:
DJ Dance Parties | Movie Night | Chill Vibe | Deep Listen (Album event) | Afrofuturizm | DJ Battles | Workshops, Classes, and more
Follow OGSynergy on Instagram or Eventbrite for the latest event.
SHOP OGSynergy Lifestyle & Culture –
In the RAD (River Arts District) by appointment or online
Black-owned Business Directories
Once you’ve decided to make Asheville your home… there are several ways to get engaged. First, let’s get you caught up on the Black politics of Asheville
What do you know about REPARATIONS?
Watch an informative panel discussion on the reparations process in Asheville
Dr. Dwight Mullen, Dewana Little, Rob Thomas, & Torre Garrison
moderated by Rev. Tami Forte Logan at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church
SEE WHAT’S HAPPENED
with Asheville’s local Reparations process and read the recommendations.
City Council Candidate Forum
How will you vote? Watch these videos to inform your decision.
STAY IN THE KNOW
On Racial Justice Policy Decisions in Asheville and Buncombe County
Ride in Style
While You’re
Here
