Enter to Win A 2-Night Stay + Spa Treatments at Omni Grove Park Inn

Enter to Win

Interested in supporting black small-business owners in Asheville? From black-owned restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, and other types of black-owned businesses in and around Asheville, North Carolina, the list below will point you in the right direction.

Black people and people of color have deep roots in Western North Carolina and helped make Asheville the city it is, from the very beginning. Following the Civil War, blacks formed their own communities in Asheville, especially in the area known as “The Block,” located in the east end of downtown—on Eagle Street, and Market Street. To this day, The Block continues to be a vibrant place for black-owned businesses and community resources. Find other historically black neighborhoods in Buncombe County in Montford, the River Arts District, the Burton Street community in West Asheville, and Shiloh. 

Check out this great video by Our State Magazine on Hood Huggers International and how this unique tour showcases the history of black communities in Asheville and the value of supporting our local black-owned businesses, resources, and people. 

Local Black Resources

Hood Huggers International Green Book 
The Hood Huggers International Green Book serves as a starting guide for anyone interested in supporting the resiliency of the African American community in Asheville. The goal is to highlight and connect the businesses and organizations listed, and to provide career inspiration for our youth. Download the Green Book on their website.

The Color of Asheville 
Asheville’s go-to guide for black-owned businesses, business owners, and community connections, sharing information within Asheville’s African American community. It’s a place to share news and events, list local black-owned businesses and professionals as well as community groups that serve the African American community; and celebrate the rich history of African Americans in Asheville. Posting and listing on the website is free. Go to their website.

The Urban News
The Urban News is a print and online newspaper with a mission to impart information that will inspire, engage, and empower the varied communities of Western North Carolina. Coverage includes the latest news, government, education, lifestyles, business, entertainment, events, and op-eds. Go to their website.

YMI Cultural Center
The mission of the YMI Cultural Center is to elevate black communities through cultural, economic, and leadership opportunities and programs. Initially branded as “The Young Men’s Institute,” the YMI Cultural Center is one of the oldest, most unique, and beautiful black cultural centers in the United States. Constructed in 1892, the YMI was designed by the site architect of the Biltmore Estate and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Go to their website.

My Sistah Taught Me That
My Sistah Taught Me That (MSTMT) is a young girl's 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. MSTMT provides opportunities, open dialogue, and mentorship. Go to their website.

Hood Huggers

Learn about Asheville’s rich African-American history through this interactive driving or walking tour that tells a powerful story of resilience. Created by artist, poet, and visionary DeWayne… read more

GRIND Coffee

Located in the River Arts District, GRIND offers a plush, sophisticated place for good coffee, co-working, community gathering, and hanging out. Enjoy local coffee and a wide variety of donuts,… read more

Blaze Dance Studio

This South Asheville dance studio offers a fun and supportive environment for Aerial yoga (flying yoga), flexibility training, pole dancing, open studio sessions, and more. Private sessions and… read more

Tiger Bay Cafe, West Asheville

Located inside Battlecat Coffee shop in West Asheville, this female-owned, family-run cafe serves up breakfast and lunch including bagels, waffles, paninis, salads, and more inspired by Southern,… read more

SmallCakes Asheville

Located in Biltmore Park in South Asheville, this cupcakery and creamery offer freshly baked gourmet cupcakes, along with housemade ice cream. The cupcakes come in a variety of sizes and you can… read more

Black Mountain Cider & Mead

Crafting ciders and meads from local heirloom apples and honey, this cidery and meadery blend natural flavors for a robust and unique tasting experience. Enjoy small-batch cider flavors like Basil… read more

AVL Cake Lady, West Asheville

This popular West Asheville bakery whips up unique cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and other sweet treats for Asheville locals. They take custom orders for wedding cakes, birthday cakes, holiday… read more

Noir Collective AVL

Located in the historic Black business district known as “The Block” in downtown Asheville, this boutique shop and art gallery was created by and for Black entrepreneurs. It’s a safe space for… read more

Dread Life Kitchen, Hendersonville

Serving up soul food in Hendersonville, owner Raynard Walker offers comfort food favorites like wings, shrimp and grits, mac-n-cheese, smoked meats, collards, and more with a Caribbean twist. Dine… read more

Goombay Festival

This free festival in downtown Asheville is a celebration of African-Caribbean culture with music, craft market, food vendors, dance performances and competitions, a special area with activities… read more

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