Kenilworth Celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. - TribPapers
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Kenilworth Celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Asheville – Step into history and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the highly anticipated 14th Annual Kenilworth Celebration in Asheville, North Carolina. The event will take place on Monday, January 15th, at the Kenilworth Presbyterian Church, located at 123 Kenilworth Rd., Asheville, NC 28803.

The Kenilworth Celebration is a long-standing community tradition that brings people together to celebrate the values and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Attendees are encouraged to embrace the spirit of unity and community by joining the delightful community potluck from 5:00-6:30pm at the adjacent Kenilworth Center, situated at 4 Chiles Ave. The Kenilworth Center has become a hub for community engagement, hosting various events and programs throughout the year.

Following the community potluck, the program will commence promptly at 6:30pm in the Church Sanctuary. This year’s program promises to be enlightening and thought-provoking, as it explores the intriguing topic: “A Capital for Black Capitalism: Soul City, N.C. and its Unique Connection to Asheville.” The discussion will delve into the rich history of Soul City, a visionary 3,700-acre community that aimed to create economic opportunities and empowerment for the Black community. The planned community was designed to house a population of 55,000 in rural North Carolina and serve as a model for self-sufficiency and progress.

To shed light on this fascinating topic, the event organizers have invited Floyd B. McKissick Jr. Esq. as the keynote speaker. McKissick Jr. is the son of the late civil rights leader and Asheville native, Floyd B. McKissick. Following in his father’s footsteps, McKissick Jr. dedicated his career to fighting for social justice and civil rights. As a seasoned politician and civil rights advocate, he has made significant contributions to his community and beyond. His perspective as the son of an influential figure in the Civil Rights Movement and his personal involvement with Soul City make him uniquely positioned to offer valuable insights into the topic at hand.

Leading the discussion will be Benjamin Barber, a prominent writer and advocate deeply committed to issues of voting rights, democracy, and Southern history. Barber’s extensive knowledge and passion for social justice make him a perfect fit for moderating the conversation and facilitating a nuanced exploration of the connections between Soul City and Asheville.

The evening will be hosted by Marvin Chambers, a distinguished figure from the Civil Rights Movement in North Carolina. Chambers is a founding member of A.S.C.O.R.E. (Asheville Student Committee on Racial Equality) and has played an integral role in advocating for racial equality and social justice. His presence adds an extra layer of historical significance to the event, reminding attendees of the struggles and triumphs of the past.

Adding to the celebratory atmosphere of the evening, DJ Profe$$ah G. will be spinning great tunes, infusing the event with energy and creating a vibrant ambiance. Attendees are encouraged to not only engage in meaningful conversations and exploration of the past but also enjoy delicious food and foster a sense of fellowship and connection.

The 14th Annual Kenilworth Celebration aims to not only honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. but also inspire attendees to continue his work and fight for justice and equality in their own lives and communities. It serves as a reminder that the struggle for civil rights and equality is ongoing, and that each individual has the power to make a difference.

Organizer Katie Adams expressed her excitement about bringing the history of Soul City, NC to Asheville through the 14th Annual Kenilworth Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Adams has been working diligently to incorporate this important piece of history into the event since her first visit to Soul City in 2015. She believes that by sharing the story of Soul City and its unique connection to Asheville, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by the Black community in their pursuit of self-determination and economic empowerment.

The Kenilworth Celebration has long been a beloved community event, attracting individuals from all walks of life who are eager to learn, reflect, and join together in celebrating the progress made by the Civil Rights Movement. In Asheville, a city known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, the Kenilworth Celebration has become a pillar of the community, fostering a sense of inclusivity and unity among residents.

Asheville, like many cities across the United States, has its own complex history intertwined with the struggle for civil rights. By exploring the unique connection between Asheville and Soul City, attendees will gain a greater appreciation for the challenges faced by Black communities striving for economic empowerment and self-sufficiency. The story of Soul City serves as a testament to the resilience, vision, and determination of the individuals who dared to dream of a better future for themselves and their families.

Beyond the historical significance, the Kenilworth Celebration also provides an opportunity for attendees to engage in thought-provoking discussions, share personal experiences, and build lasting connections with like-minded individuals. The program is designed not only to educate but also to inspire action and create a sense of collective responsibility for creating a more just and equitable society.

The 14th Annual Kenilworth Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with enlightening conversation, delicious food, and the uplifting power of community. It is a moment to reflect on the progress made, acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead, and commit to being agents of positive change in our own lives and communities.

For more information and inquiries about the event, please contact Katie Adams at 828-273-3747 or email mountainstomoveavl@gmail.com. Join us as we take a step towards a brighter future, united in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s timeless message of love, equality, and justice.