Local artist Tommy Lee McGee cuts the ribbon, with the Hayes High Steppin’ Majorettes behind him, unveiling his first mural on the Black Cultural Heritage Trail. Photo Credit: Reggie Tidwell
First of Three Murals Uplifting Black Youth Along the Trail
Rounding out National Travel & Tourism Week, community leaders, government officials, and community advocates gathered yesterday in South Slope to witness the unveiling of the first mural part of the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail. This trail, which opened in December 2023, celebrates the dignity, humanity, and agency of Black people from all backgrounds who built resilient communities and fostered social change in Asheville. This week’s event continued that celebration with a focus on uplifting the future generations of Black Ashevillians.
“Black Girl Magic is my THANK YOU card to the Black and Brown women both in my life and in this community, country, and globally who have shown up tirelessly for their families despite feeling unseen and unacknowledged,” said local artist Tommy Lee McGee who Explore Asheville commissioned to create the mural. “The little girl inside of them rarely receives nurturing, so they ultimately must water their own garden. I created this mural to offer to Black and Brown women especially, a little water for their internal gardens with gratitude, respect, and honor.”
Artist Tommy Lee McGee standing in front of Black Girl Magic, his artwork commission by Explore Asheville. Photo Credit: Reggie Tidwell.
The unveiling of the South Slope mural on the west side of The Whale::South Slope’s building marks the first of three murals along the trail. To celebrate this occasion, the Hayes High Steppin’ Majorettes and Drum Corps performed. Over the last 42 years, this group has fostered community pride and developed leaders by uniting youth of diverse backgrounds through music, dance, and cultural education—promoting discipline and self-empowerment.
“While trail signs preserve our shared histories for future generations, artist, Tommy Lee McGee enhances the trail’s educational goals through public art, highlighting Black people’s capacity to express individual power, and continues to uplift the remarkable accomplishments and enduring spirit of Asheville’s Black community,” said Vic Isley, President & CEO of Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority.
Catherine Mitchell of River Front Development Group providing remarks alongside Vic Isley CEO and President of Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority. Photo Credit: Reggie Tidwell.
Stewarded by the River Front Development Group, a community advisory group, and Explore Asheville staff, the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail invites residents and visitors to walk through history, reflect on the resilience of Black communities, and gain profound insight into how their contributions have shaped Asheville and Buncombe County. The self-guided interpretive trail comprises 14 stops and 20 panels, spread across three historically significant Black neighborhoods—Downtown, Southside, and the River Area. The Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail was made possible through a $500,000 Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) investment in 2018.
“I am really proud of the partnerships that we have developed in making this happen,” said Catherine Mitchell of River Front Development Group. “I hope you will attend the two additional unveilings of the trail and invite all of your friends and family to join you because it is truly historic.”
After the ceremony, the celebration continued with a South Slope Block Party that included a bingo card scavenger hunt, encouraging participants to visit nearby businesses featuring Black artists, makers, and musicians. At Burial, visitors explored a maker’s market showcasing local Black artists, and Good Hot Fish displayed historic photographs by Andrea Clark and Isaiah Rice. The festivities included performances across multiple businesses—DJ Zati hosted a dance party at The Whale::South Slope, the Funkatorium celebrated its reopening with a live performance by Lyric, and DJ Nex Millen played at Antidote/Chemist Spirits. Following their visit to these offerings, participants returned to The Whale to enter a raffle for a basket of goods from local Black-owned businesses.
For more information about the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail, please visit BCHT.exploreasheville.com.