“YMI Cultural Center” by Anthony Thomas

“YMI Cultural Center” will be presented by Anthony Thomas at the Sunday, May 21, 2023 meeting of the Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville, 2:30 – 4:00 pm at 227 Edgewood Rd, Asheville, NC. This will be a hybrid meeting, in-person and also available for interactive conversation by Zoom. All are welcome to attend.

Join YMI Board Chair, Anthony Thomas, to learn about the history and future goals of one of the oldest, most beautiful Black cultural centers in the United States. Initially branded as “The Young Men’s Institute”, whose building is on the National Register of Historic Places, is today more commonly known as YMI Cultural Center. The YMICC’s mission is to promote cultural preservation and elevate Black Excellence through community engagement, advocacy, leadership development and economic justice. The 128 Years and Counting campaign is aimed at restoring the building and supporting programming and community engagement efforts.

Anthony Thomas moved from upstate New York to Asheville in 1992. The beauty and strength of our mountains is second only to the beauty and strength of our community. Giving back to that community is of utmost importance to Anthony, which is why he has served on several local boards and business development coaching for aspiring entrepreneurs.