Racism and inequality against Black and brown people are embedded in the practices and policies in local and national government. Asheville is no different. Black residents are continuously disenfranchised through gentrification, education, homeownership and more. Outdated practices such as urban renewal, redlining and Jim Crow laws still negatively affect Asheville’s Black community. The Black population is gradually decreasing while the median price of homes is exponentially rising. Opportunity Zones are deemed modern-day redlining. And urban renewal decimated many of the predominantly Black neighborhoods of Asheville. City council is aware of the ongoing systemic racism and the history of Asheville’s involvement in racism. They are trying to find ways to make the city more inclusive and equal. Asheville made national news for approving reparations for Black residents. Also, city council installed an Office of Equity and Inclusion to embed equity in the policies, practices and procedures of local government to advance opportunity for all.
