The East End/Valley Street
Neighborhood Association
stands with
Black Lives Matter
and will fight to end racism
and unfair unjust treatment
of Black people.
Racial prejudice changes when hearts change.
EAST END
VALLEY STREET
Neighborhood Association
THE EAST END/VALLEY STREET NEIGHBORHOOD
The East End is Rising!
East End/Valley Street is the oldest and most historically significant African-American neighborhood in Asheville. Once the center of African-American life in Asheville, the neighborhood is connected to The Block (Eagle, Market Streets) and Valley Street (now South Charlotte Street), which was the heart of the neighborhood until Urban Renewal. The Block — home of the historic YMI Cultural Center, a pharmacy, law offices, other businesses and recreation — was once a draw for African-Americans from the entire region where renowned celebrities and musicians from across the country performed.
It is in East End/Valley Street that almost all of the first African-American churches of various denominations were located—St. Matthias’ Episcopal, Nazareth First Missionary Baptist, Calvary Presbyterian, St. James’ AME, Hopkins Chapel AME Zion, and Berry Temple Methodist Episcopal. It is here that the city’s first school for black students was established—at St. Matthias’ in 1867. It was here that two of the most significant schools for African-Americans in the city were located—Allen High School, a private (Methodist) school for girls, and Stephens-Lee High School, a public school that became something of a community center and a center for black culture and education for the whole region in the mid-Twentieth Century.
In the 1970s, Asheville’s urban renewal projects changed everything. Long ignored by the city, the neighborhood’s infrastructure and many homes were in code violation. At that time a significant portion of the neighborhood was razed, not only changing the face of the neighborhood, but connections between families and friends were unalterably changed. Residents were dispersed all across the city — some never to return. Read more about East End/Valley Street and urban renewal here: Crossroads.
The neighborhood has recently seen a surge in development with infill building of apartments and single-family homes. For sale signs are popping up on parcels no one ever expected to be developed. That development, and closeness to town, has brought about a shift in demographics from predominately African-American family homes to many white families moving in. Located within a few minutes walk from downtown, the East End has become a location of choice for people looking for the “Asheville lifestyle.”
Reestablished in 2010, the East End/Valley Street Neighborhood Association has re-constituted itself.
Old and new residents are now working side by side in a concerted effort to re-create that lost sense of community, preserve and protect our rich African-American heritage, re-connect the two parts of what was once a single unified neighborhood, and make sure that the neighborhood and its residents are actively involved in any decisions affecting their future. Once again, as the Association’s motto boldly proclaims,“The East End Is Rising!”
East End/Valley Street Neighborhood Association Meeting
October 10, 2024
Canceled!
Please join us for the East End/Valley Street Neighborhood Association meeting on Thursday, October 10 at 6pm at
Stephens-Lee, 30 George Washington Carver Avenue. Come share stories and learn about resources!
If you have something important to share with the community, please contact us at EastEndValleyStreet@gmail.com. We'll do our best to accommodate your request and add you to the agenda. Your safety is our priority. While masks are optional, you are welcome to wear one if it makes you more comfortable. Your participation is essential in building a strong community, so please mark your calendars
and make an effort to attend.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us at EastEndValleyStreet@gmail.com.
Thank you, and we hope to see you there!
Dr. George Washington Carver Edible Park Work Day
October TBA
You're cordially invited to join our community workday TBA at the tranquil Dr. George Washington Carver Edible Park! These workdays typically occur on the 3rd Friday of each month, weather permitting. Convenient parking is available at the Stephens Lee Recreation Center parking lot, located at 30 George Washington Carver Ave.
Leading our efforts is the knowledgeable Kelly Applegate from Bountiful Cities. We'll be equipped with ample tools and hand sanitizer, but please consider bringing your own gloves, loppers, pruners, or weeding tools to contribute. Masks are optional.
Prepare for a fulfilling day engaging in various activities such as mulching, gentle tree and shrub pruning, trash collection, invasive species removal, and seasonal planting. Expect hands-on demonstrations and a guided tour of the park.
These community workdays are proudly brought to you in collaboration with the City of Asheville. For any updates, check the Dr. George Washington Carver Edible Park Facebook Page. We're eager to have you join us for a day filled with community spirit, sustainability, and fun! See you there!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Community Activities for Everyone to Enjoy
East End/Valley Street residents are close-knit and special. The goal of the East End/Valley Street Neighborhood Association is to enhance and improve the lives of the people who live here, worship here, or call it "home". Join us!