Our Mission Statement
In 1892, the YMICC began its mission of providing social and economic opportunities for the African American community.
The YMI is dedicated to the preservation of cultural identity and the promotion of intercultural activities.
The YMI partners with the community as a resource center and promotes educational opportunities for the underserved in our community.”
About Us
#1 “In 1892, the YMICC began its mission of providing Social and economic opportunities for the African American community. In 1892 the YMI housed:
The Historic YMI Drug Store Businesses
The Colored Public Library Doctors Offices
Community Gatherings Law Offices
Recreational Center Insurance Offices
*Gymnatorium Beauty Shops
*Swimming Pool
*Dance Hall
*Bath House
Our mission today is to recapture the essence from the past as we move into the future. The YMI today rents office, meeting, and auditorium space and acts as a center for the revitalization of the Block.
#2 The YMI is dedicated to the preservation of cultural identity and the promotion of intercultural activities includes programs from the past, present and future such as:
Goombay
Kwanza
Black History Month
Artifacts and Exhibits
International Host
Multicultural Fair
Women's History Month
Lift Every Voice
Red Velvet Christmas
Additional Programs Include:
Kat Williams Musical Series
Martin Luther King Jr. Series
YMI Tournament Series
#3 The YMI partners with the community as a resource center and promotes educational opportunities for the underserved in our community. This includes:
ABIPA
Pack Place
Darin Waters Historical Series
EAO (Educational Advancement Opportunities)
Block Revitalization Initiative
Artists Resource Center
Center for Poverty Studies
VITA-IRS program
Re-opening of the Historic YMI Drug Store
21st CCLC after School Program
The YMI Cultural Center is an Asheville landmark in the heart of downtown, convenient to City Hall, Pack Square, Pack Place and art galleries and other cultural centers. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the YMI has served Asheville's minority citizens since it was first established in 1893 as the Young Men's Institute. It houses numerous exhibits, many dealing with the history of African Americans in Western North Carolina, and sponsors such cultural events as Asheville's Goombay! Festival, an Annual Kwanzaa Celebration and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration. We invite all people to come share in the rich heritage and celebration of African and African American culture.
