THE HOOD HUGGERSINTERNATIONAL

GREEN BOOK

REBUILDING AFFRILACHIACARRY YOUR GEEN BOOK WITH YOU - YOU MIGHT NEED IT!

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Cover: Edward W. Pearson, Sr. with clerk Ruth Terry in his store in 1924, photo courtesy of the North Carolina Room at Pack Memorial Library.

HHI Green Book Content Compiled by Ami Worthen.

HISTORICAL PROFILES ......................................................................................4

BUSINESS ............................................................................................................6

ENTERTAINMENT ................................................................................................8

FOOD ....................................................................................................................9

MEDIA .................................................................................................................10

NON-PROFIT ......................................................................................................11

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE .......................................................................................15

STORE/SHOP .....................................................................................................16

VISUAL ARTISTS ................................................................................................18

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS ...................................................................19

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HISTORICAL PROFILES

Thomas Leatherwood (1861 - 19??)

In 2015, during the renovations of the Vance Monument, a time capsule which was buried under the monument when it was dedicated in 1897 was opened. This time capsule held an unexpected discovery, a copy of The Colored Enterprise, an Asheville-based African American newspaper. African Americans were a third of the population of Asheville at that time. The discovery of this paper, says UNC Asheville professor Darin Waters, is "an important piece of information that establishes the African American presence here. It demonstrates a population that wasn't just isolated in the mountains but was very actively involved and seeking ways to be engaged in the larger body politic." Colored Enterprise publisher and editor Thomas Leatherwood was an ambitious entrepreneur who opened Asheville's only black pharmacy in the YMI building in 1894. (Source: Asheville Citizen-Times)

E.W. Pearson, Sr. (1872-1946)

Edward W. Pearson, Sr. “was one of the most energetic and creative forces for positive change that Asheville has ever known. From Pearson’s arrival in Asheville in 1906, until his death in 1946, he worked tirelessly to improve the fortunes and the quality of life of his family and his community. Facing many barriers to advancement in a strictly segregated society, he saw not obstacles, but opportunities. A real estate investor, in 1911 Pearson founded the Burton Street neighborhood, a historically African American neighborhood located in West Asheville. He was also a businessman, store owner, and insurance agent. He organized Asheville’s first African American semi-pro baseball team, the Asheville Royal Giants (1916), founded the area’s first regional Agricultural Fair (1913-1947), and organized North Carolina’s first NAACP chapter (1933), as well as several fraternal groups. (Source: North Carolina Room at Pack Memorial Library)

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Minnie Jones (1934-2015)

Minnie Jones was “an outspoken champion who worked tirelessly for better housing, better healthcare and civil rights for all people...In the 1960s, she volunteered to be the first black person to move into Pisgah View apartments, integrating the Asheville Housing Authority. She was an advocate for her neighbors and served for decades on the authority's board of commissioners….Jones was also instrumental in the early years of Pisgah Legal Services, which was founded in 1978…In 1992, Jones co-founded the health care nonprofit that became known as Western North Carolina Community Health Services. In 1994, the group opened the Kenilworth Wellness Center, and the Minnie Jones Family Health Center opened in 1996 at Pisgah View. Buncombe County contracted with the WNC Community Health Services to take over its health clinic at 257 Biltmore Ave….In 2010, the clinic was renamed the Minnie Jones Health Center.” (Source: Asheville Citizen-Times)

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All Pro Improvements, IncVance Cheeley828-216-6818 allproimprovementsvc@yahoo.com

Kathy R. BaileyNotary Public828-242-7753bailey_kathy@yahoo.com

Notary public, photographer, blogger.

C&L Home ImprovementSantos Jackson828-280-8282

GO DIVA! PhotographyTY MOFind Us On FacebookCapturing memories one click at a time! Divas on the Go!

LT LaundromatLarry Williams828-253-7733Find us on FacebookLT Laundry is a full service laundromat that was established in 1965. This laundry

service offers single load to family-sized machines, wash and fold service and more. The attendants are knowledgeable and dedicated to helping customers. When you need laundry service call on LT Laundry today! They offer quality services for commercial and personal needs.

Desmond McAfeeReal Estate Broker, Business Owner, Inventor828-458-3649 desmond@ashevilleandassociates.com

As a housing and relocation specialist, McAfee is an experienced, dedicated and organized professional who ensures that your best interests remain as his number one focus. He views the entire real estate purchasing process as a collaborative partnership with you so that all of your needs are truly met. Nothing provides him with a greater sense of accomplishment than to far surpass your highest expectations. Whether you are

BUSINESS

Desmond McAfee

Kathy R. Bailey

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considering a relocation to the Asheville area or you are a current resident looking to sell or buy a home or you happen to be searching for your dream vacation place in the mountains.

Oh Hey JesJesica Gaskin828-337-0644ohheyjes.comWhether it’s your wedding day, family portrait or special event, Jesica will work with you to keep the day stress-free and comfortable. She will capture amazing, unforgettable moments, allowing you to relax and enjoy. No matter the occasion, Jesica approaches each event with a sense of unbridled enthusiasm and love for what she does. This love shows through her work, giving you priceless, lasting memories!

Pro 16 ProductionsAndre Daugherty828-301-7525pro16productions.comPro 16 Productions takes pride in being able to capture your special moments using video, still images, and print design.

That’s So AshevillePhyllis Utley704-238-3585utleyp@yahoo.comMotivational Speaker, Community

Andre Daugherty

Jesica Gaskin

Phyllis Utley

Photo by Emma Grace Moon

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Engagement Consultant, Autodidatic Ourstorian, Poet and Cultural Worker, Healing Oppression Wounds Facilitator. Helping individuals connect the dots from the past to the present into the future for thriving lives seven generations forward.

Big Boi FlyJoe Greene 828-215-2063bigboyfly.comFashions for men sizes 2x to 3x.

Disco Babies Party SolutionsDamion “DJ Supaman” Smith828-505-6109mydiscobabies.comFor all of your party needs! DJ services for adult and/or kids. Bouncers and slide rental, concession services.

Mosso-Kan West African Dance CompanyBarakissa Coulibaly 352-339-8749barakissacoulibaly.comMosso-Kan, founded in 2014, is comprised of female dancers and talented drummers and musicians. Mosso-Kan means “the voice of the women” and was created to embrace the power of African women as well as ALL women internationally. Coulibaly also offers West African dance classes.

ENTERTAINMENT/FASHION

Joe Greene

Damion “DJ Supaman” Smith

Barakissa Coulibaly

Photo by Makeda Sandford

Photo by Micah Mackenzie

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Cooking With Comedy CateringClarence Robinson828-215-4592Find us on FacebookChef Robinson presents unusual, surprising flavor, texture and ingredient combinations. He also entertains with jokes and impressions while he cooks. “There is nothing like a good meal and a good laugh,” he says.

FarmacyJudy and Carl771 Haywood Road828-225-4949farmacyjuiceandtonicbar.comFarmacy offers health promoting juices, tonics, elixirs, and enzyme rich raw and living foods as well as classes, cleanse packages, and consultations based on the living foods lifestyle philosophy. In addition, they create a healthy, diverse, community space for education, conversation and networking.

J. Lee’s CateringGene Ettison903-600-5533facebook.com/TheJLeeBrandA firm believer in farm to table, nose to tail cooking, Chef Ettison uses the freshest products and does everything he can to support local growers and farmers. With years of training with some of Western North Carolina’s most well-known chefs, no cuisine is foreign. One of his goals is to expand the palate of all people, young and old! Another is to make fine dining accessible to all.

FOOD

Clarence Robinson

Gene Ettison

Photo by Makeda Sandford

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Haywood LoungeHosea Jackson590 Haywood Road828-232-4938Find us on FacebookThe Haywood Lounge is known for it’s wings, and it also offers burgers, pork chops, chicken tenders, and hot dogs. Sides include fries, corn nuggets, okra, onion rings and green beans. A recent renovation improved the bar area of the Lounge, where they serve mixed drinks and craft beer at affordable prices. The menu will also be revamped to reflect the new space.

T.B.M. Smallcakes: A Cupcakery & CreameryRobert (Tease) & Brandy Millstbmsmallcakesasheville.com33 Town Square Blvd Unit 130Smallcakes believes in its slogan of

“Maybe a Cupcake Will Help?”

Tiger Bay Cafe373 Haywood Road828-713-3885Find us on FacebookCome experience the way we fuse “South East Style” BBQ, West Indian flavor, and Latin foods in a delightful way to tempt your tasted buds! Breakfast all day and daily lunch specials.

Empowerment Resource Center, WRES 100.7 FM-LPJohn R. Hayes91 Patton Avenue828-281-3068wresfm.comThe Empowerment Resource Center offers programming for youth in the community. WRES was founded by Hayes, Sophie Dixon, and the members of the Empowerment Resource Center. Their vision was a small but powerful

Hosea Jackson

MEDIA

Photo by Makeda Sandford

Jamie Singh, Oscar Santana, Phil Singh

Photo by Steve Mann

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radio station that could help heal and transform our community through music and information. In 2004, WRES signed on and now reaches 65,000 listeners in Asheville.

Urban NewsJohnnie N. Grant828-253-5585theurbannews.comThe Urban News has served as an educating, empowering, and enlightening force in the African American and multicultural communities of Western North Carolina since 2005. Urban News

journalists are recognized for their commitment to the social,

economic and political empowerment; providing news from a multicultural perspective that is progressive, thought provoking, community involved, culturally aware, and socially engaged

Asheville Buncombe Institute of Parity Achievement (ABIPA)Kathey Avery and JeWana Grier-McEachin

56 Walton Street828 251-8364abipa.orgUsing a holistic approach, ABIPA provides preventive care education and lifestyle changes to African Americans and underserved communities in WNC. Director Je’Wana Grier McEachin and Educator Kathey Avery believe educating the public is the best way to prevent and manage illnesses.

John R. Hayes

Johnnie N. GrantABIPA

NON-PROFIT

Photo by Makeda Sandford

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Center for Participatory Change (CPC)cpcwnc.orgVision: Collective liberation. La liberación del pueblo. Mission: Igniting collective power. Transforming systems of oppression. Healing in community.

Christine W. Avery Learning CenterCiCi Weston135 Hill Street828-254-9333cwalearningcenter.comThe CWA Learning Center provides educational and enrichment opportunities for students in grades 5 to 12. This unique educational experience is culturally specific and serviced based. CWA uses a methodology that not only to helps enhance students’ academic abilities, but aids their total developmental process.

CoThinkkTracey Greene-Washington803-447-2000cothinkk.orgCoThinkk is a giving circle that uses its collective time, talent, and treasure towards investment strategies that address education, economic

mobility/opportunity, and leadership development towards impacting some of the most critical social issues facing African-American and Latino communities in Asheville and Western NC.

Delta House Life Development of Asheville, Inc.218 S. French Broad Ave.828-254-6804deltahouseleaap21stcentury.comDelta House is committed to excellence in education, cultural arts, and social enrichment programs in a diverse community. Their afterschool program promotes and models respect, positive self-esteem, academic achievement and communication while appreciating and affirming individual differences.

CiCi Weston

Tracey Greene-Washington

Photo by Makeda Sandford

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Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation (EMSDC)Stephanie Swepson-Twitty70 South Market Street, Asheville828-281-1227eaglemarketsts.netEMSDC is a nonprofit organization which provides property development, economic development, and workforce development services. EMSDC envisions a sustainable, just, and promising community where minority and under-served populations are elevated from poverty by means of: opportunity, economic and social independence, asset and wealth building, social entrepreneurship, and education.

Green Opportunities (GO)Joseph “J” Hackett133 Livingston Street828-398-4158greenopportunities.org

GO connects youth and adults from low-wealth neighborhoods to sustained employment opportunities that support families and improve community and environmental health. GO provides free, high-quality technical training in the culinary arts and skilled construction trades to people facing employment barriers in Buncombe County, NC. Additionally, GO operates several social enterprises.

Just Folks Organization of AshevilleHerman Bright, Julia McDowell & Timothy Burdine828-552-6027justfolksofashevillenc@yahoo.comJust Folks is dedicated to keeping The Block going and celebrating black heritage by hosting community events in Triangle Park.

Stephanie Swepson-Twitty

Joseph “J” Hackett

Photo by Makeda Sandford

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My Daddy Taught Me ThatKeynon Lake 828-582-2261mydaddytaughtmethat.orgMDTMT is a program designed to support the development, uplift, and education of youth and young males. The focus is to teach young men how to transition from the young teen adolescent time in their lives into responsible young men focused on good decision making, responsibility, and being accountable.

My Sistah Taught Me ThatLeslie Council828-335-1218mysistahtaughtmethat.orgMSTMT is a developmental program designed to encourage, inspire, educate, and empower girls ages 11-19 with a special focus on girls growing up in single parent homes without their father. This program was created so young ladies in Buncombe County and surrounding areas may have the chance to be exposed to professional leaders in our community who are dedicated to providing opportunities, open dialogue, and exposure to things they wouldn’t routinely do, with the intent of helping them grow and mature.

Herman Bright, Julia McDowell & Timothy Burdine

Keynon Lake

Leslie Council

Photo by Makeda Sandford

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YMI Cultural Center39 S. Market Street828-257-4540ymiculturalcenter.orgFounded in 1893, the YMI Cultural Center is arguably one of the nation’s oldest African American institutions.

Youth Transformed for LifeLibby Kyles828-582-7094ytltraining.orgYTL Training Programs seeks to assist disadvantaged teenagers, homeless teenagers, and young adult offenders reentering the workforce.

Date My CitySheneika Smith704-401-9104datemycity.netDate My City a social organization that seeks to enhance the cultural identity of black communities in WNC. As a motivation of hope, a community advocate and a source of empowerment through cultural and civic engagement, DMC has the purpose of fostering social cohesion, increasing civic participation and igniting pride through unity and self-determination.

MS LEANStephen Smith910-271-3959msleanllc@gmail.com

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

Sheneika Smith

Photo by Makeda Sandford

Photo by Steve Mann

Libby Kyles

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Landscaping services including mulching, lawn maintainence, airation, fertilization, seeding, small tree removal, small landscape design, and more. MS LEAN is committed to providing jobs to African Americans, particularly those who are formerly incarcareted.

Ujamaa Freedom MarketCalvin Allen & Stephanie Freeman

828-490-1446ujamaafreedommarket.comWe are a worker-owned cooperative mobile market which brings fresh local foods to under-served communities. The mission of Ujamaa Freedom Market is to feed and nourish the whole community through access to healthy, fresh

food. We aim to promote social, economic, environmental and food justice by serving as a model for self-sufficiency while inspiring healthy relationships with food in order to strengthen the quality of life, health and well being of the community.

Smooth’s Do Drop In Barber ShopSmooth8 Eagle Street 828-285-0557Full service barber shop.

Legends Barber & Beauty ShopDarryl Cannady24 New Leicester Highway828-252-8324Find us on Facebook

Calvin Allen & Stephanie Freeman

STORE / SHOP

Darryl Cannady

Photo by Makeda Sandford

Stephen Smith

Photo by Steve Mann

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Legends Barber & Beauty Shop offers a full range of services for multicultural clients including haircuts, dyes and beauty services. Legends opened in it’s current location in May 2015, and is known for its spiritual atmosphere.

New York FashionsMichelle & Freddie White26 New Leicester Highway828-225-6900newyorkfashionasheville.comNew York Fashions began in 1994 out of the trunk of a car. In 2002 the Whites opened their first store on Merrimon Avenue, and they had two other locations before their current space. New York Fashions offers celebrity style fashions at affordable prices. With styles straight from New York, the store carries dresses, jeans, tops, hats, accessories and more.

Soce’s African American Hair BraidingSoce3 Eagle Street828-258-1116Soce’s is a highly-rated hair salon with experts available to meet your every need. This salon provides ample hair services that you are sure to enjoy. Your mane will never look better after a day at Soce’s, so be sure to swing for a quick trim or major makeover.

Southern Expressions Gift BoutiqueMichael Wilson828-258-3742Southern Expressions opened in May 1993 by Michael Wilson and is one of the oldest businesses on Biltmore Avenue. Southern Expressions has steadily grown through the years and has now become one of the top shopping destinations in downtown Asheville for tourists and locals alike.

Wynn’s Beauty & BarberHue Wynn828-676-1841Find us on FacebookBarbers and stylists are here to serve the people of Asheville and surrounding areas.Michelle & Freddie White

Photo by Makeda Sandford

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AlnudgeCleaster Cottoncleastercotton.wordpress.comCotton’s approach to art-making is honest, unexpected, and exciting - with a refreshing use of texture, line, color, and tone. Her ability to manipulate conventional and unconventional materials produces an eclectic, fascinating range of artistic renderings. Cotton invented the ALNUGE (Alphabets Numbers Geometrics) Coding System, known as “The Modern Day Hieroglyphics.” ALNUGE has been a consistently successful Teaching Methodology and K12+ Curriculum since the 1990’s.

Jenny Pickensjenny-pickens.pixels.comPickens is a self taught artist from Asheville. Her work has been featured in art exhibits, newspapers, magazines, murals, and on Goombay Festival it-shirts. Her primary medium is acrylics. She also does hand built pottery, sewing, and jewelry making.

JosephartJoseph Anthony Pearson348 Depot Street504-615-4998josephart.netPearson paints people as portraits and figures and accepts commissions. He works in oil, charcoal and pastel pencil.

Zenobia StudioViola Spells828-301-3495spellsv@hotmail.com“I make crochetwire jewelry because I like the delicate and lacy appearance. It reminds me of my mother’s lacy curtains and my grandmother’s doilys.”

VISUAL ARTISTS

Jenny Pickens

Joseph Anthony Pearson

Find more businesses at hoodhuggers.com

and colorofasheville.net.

Viola Spells

Photo by Steve Mann

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NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS

Burton StreetVivian Conleyfacebook.com/Burton-Street-Community-Association-106748819352481 (828) 275-5305

East End/Valley StreetRenee White facebook.com/East-End-Valley-Street-Neighborhood-143497372351702/(828) 258-9744

Shiloh

Norma Baynesfacebook.com/Shiloh-Community-Association-445481492172838(828) 277-9654

Residents Council of the Asheville Housing Authority (My Community Matters Youth Empowerment Program)

Iindia Pearson, Sir Charles Gardner, Shuvonda Harper facebook.com/rccaha(828) 582-7067

Southside

(828) 251-0485

Renee White

Shuvonda Harper

Iindia Pearson

Sir Charles Gardner

Vivian Conley

The Hood Huggers’ Community Accountability Plan (CAP) implements and celebrates a grassroots regenerative revitalization and accountability system designed to build, maintain, and protect pillars of resiliency in historically African American neighborhoods. CAP supports a culture of sustainability that is inclusive and economically just. The plan includes creating, maintaining, and connecting green spaces that help absorb trauma.

Looking at the State of Black Asheville, CAP serves as a road map for repairing communities and addressing disparities. The State of Black Asheville is a public policy course at UNC Asheville taught by Dr. Dwight Mullen. Students pick a topic of interest and study the influence race has on public policy.

With CAP, businesses, nonprofits, community volunteers and government agencies operate in response to the plans of neighborhood leaders, working to help manifest their vision for their communities rather than prescribing solutions or programs.

The three key components of CAP are the arts, the environment, and social enterprise. We utilize Community Engagement Tools: Interactive Storytelling Community Coaches Neighborhood Beautification Projects Inclusive Community Festivals Community Development Plans Garden Parties & Events Youth Training

ABOUT THE BOOK

The idea for the Hood Huggers Green Book is based on the Negro Motorist Green Book, a guidebook for African-Americans which was published from 1936 to 1966, during the Jim Crow era. It was intended to provide African-American tourists with the information necessary to board, dine, and sightsee comfortably and safely during the era of segregation.

“The history of the Green Book is powerful and I wanted to educate people about it and then bring it up to date to 2016 to talk about how a concept like that could be used to support businesses and organizations whose missions are to improve the overall conditions of our African-American community,” says DeWayne Barton. “We feel that business owners have a role to play in helping to rebuild the capacity of neighborhoods.” Using the Green Book as an outline of the resource grid that exists in the African-American community, it is a tool to support community success.

“Like a power grid, the Green Book lays out power points within the community in terms of business and programming,” says DeWayne. “The goal now is for people to build out that power grid by supporting those businesses and connecting with those organizations so that the dots on the power grid are interlocked.” When this power or resource grid is activated, it can create a pipeline for economic development and opportunity.

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HOOD TOURSHOODHUGGERS.COM

@hoodhuggers(828) 275-5305