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!”
Dr. George Washington Carver Edible Park Work Day
January 17, 2025
January 17 at 2:30pm - 5:00pm there will be a workday at The Dr. George Washington Carver Edible Park!
We will be cutting and clearing down trees from the storm and preparing the park for the winter. Please bring chainsaws and PPE if you have them and are experienced (safety first!). Other tools, gloves, water and snacks will be provided. If you anticipate that you will be attending, please sign our liability waiver below. There will also be paper copies on the day of the workday.
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLScZ3koAEgd.../viewform...
Thank you to all of those who are dedicated to urban food forests and want to come help us in advance! This would not be possible without all of you!
This event is in partnership with the City of Asheville Sustainability Department.
East End/Valley Street Neighborhood Association Meeting
February or March TBA
The East End/Valley Street Neighborhood Association Meetings are on hiatus until February or March.
We hope to see you in the spring!
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!