The Disappearance of Asheville’s Black Population: A Deep Dive

The first of four parts

Asheville’s Black population is disappearing faster than that of comparable cities in North Carolina. This alarming trend is not just altering the demographics of the city—it’s changing its cultural identity and institutional framework.

In 1980, one in five Asheville residents was Black. Fast forward to 2024, and that ratio has dwindled to one in 13, based on the latest census data. This shift is notable not only to visitors and newcomers but also to long-term Black residents who witness the erosion of community institutions and the exodus of the younger generation seeking opportunities elsewhere.

“Black people have become almost obsolete in Asheville,” remarked James Grant, pastor of Worldwide Missionary Baptist Tabernacle Church located in the historically Black neighborhood of Southside. “White people ask me, ‘Where are all the Black people?’ I say, ‘They’re either at work, at home because they can’t afford to go out, or they’ve moved away.’”

Through extensive analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data and interviews with over two dozen Black leaders and residents, the Asheville Watchdog is highlighting the swift decline of Asheville’s Black community, probing its origins and implications for the city.

Coming Oct. 26: The impact of urban renewal on Asheville’s historically Black neighborhoods

Historical Context: The Roots of Decline

The decline of Asheville’s Black population has deep historical roots, intertwined with discriminatory practices like redlining, which barred Black citizens from accessing home and business loans, as well as Jim Crow-era hiring practices that stifled economic opportunity. The federally backed urban renewal initiatives launched in the 1960s, which claimed to eliminate “blight,” led to drastic displacements. More than a thousand Black households were uprooted, and numerous businesses—community essentials like grocery stores, barbershops, and pharmacies—were lost.

Modern Causes: The Economic Challenge

Today, the challenges facing Black residents are compounded by skyrocketing housing costs and a low-wage, service-oriented economy. Black residents, earning on average about half of what their white counterparts make, are particularly impacted. As tourism surged after 2000, Asheville attracted wealthy white retirees, leading to a real estate boom that has displaced many residents. In neighborhoods that were once predominantly Black, lavish homes now replace century-old structures, catering to an affluent clientele.

Statistically, while Asheville’s total population saw a 77% increase from 1980 to 2020, the percentage of Black residents plummeted from 21 to 12 percent. From 2000 to 2020 alone, those identifying as solely Black shrunk to a mere 10.5 percent.

The Cultural Deprivation

This decline not only robs the city of cultural diversity and economic vitality but also reduces the richness of shared experiences. Megan Underhill, chair of sociology and anthropology at the University of North Carolina Asheville, emphasizes that the loss of a robust Black community diminishes the potential for empathy and collaboration across races.

Sheneika Smith, a city council member and lifelong Southside resident, passionately articulates the unique challenges faced by Black residents. When she and her daughters dine at upscale downtown restaurants, they often become the center of attention—a familiar occurrence that underscores their feelings of alienation.

A Steady Population Decline

The decline of Asheville’s Black population is emblematic of a larger trend affecting historically Black neighborhoods. Census Tract Nine, encompassing Southside, saw its Black population dwindle from 2,217 residents (75% of the tract) in 2000 to just 943 (34%) by 2023. Instead, white residents moved in, leading to gentrification.

While the overall Black population in Buncombe County decreased from 8.6% in 1980 to 6.8% in 2020, the outmigration of Black residents to other North Carolina cities stands in stark contrast to Asheville’s demographic trends.

Communities slightly larger than Asheville, such as Concord and Gastonia, have seen increases in their Black populations. Interestingly, while Asheville’s Black population has steadily declined, the Black population in North Carolina has remained stable at about 22%.

The Exodus of Young Talent

One of the most pressing issues for Asheville is the exodus of young Black professionals. Many, like Dallas Jackson, who moved to Chicago for better opportunities after earning his degree, recount stories of friends leaving for cities with stronger job markets. The stark contrast in average annual incomes—$24,311 for Black residents compared to $44,119 for white residents—only intensifies these departures.

A Long-running Exodus

The migration of Black residents away from Asheville is not a new phenomenon. This trend dates back decades, exacerbated by urban renewal efforts that dismantled communities. Influential figures like Lamont Byrd and John Holt reflect on their own childhoods in Southside, affirming that the lack of opportunities was a driving force behind their decision to leave.

The Decline of the Black Middle Class

The historical segregation in Asheville led to tightly-knit neighborhoods, which nurtured a Black middle class overflowing with role models. These neighborhoods boasted educators, healthcare professionals, and business owners—all contributing to a robust community fabric that has since frayed.

Despite the gradual increase in college-educated Black residents, stark disparities prevail. For instance, white citizens are twice as likely to hold professional jobs compared to Black citizens. Educational gaps persist, with only 14% of Black adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher against 58% of whites.

A Deprivation of Culture

The desire for a thriving Black cultural scene in Asheville remains largely unfulfilled. Many Black residents articulate a longing for more representation in local arts, music, and cuisine—elements that once flourished in the city’s history. Sheneika Smith raises a poignant question: “Where is the soul after the bluegrass and beer?”

While Asheville has transformed into a culinary and craft beer hub, many lament that these venues fail to resonate with the Black community.

Economic Barriers

High living costs complicate matters further. With a median home price of about $595,000 and comparatively lower wages in the Asheville area, entrepreneurship has become increasingly challenging for Black residents. The disparity in homeownership rates—38% for Black households compared to 70% for white households—illustrates systemic economic inequalities.

Holding the Line: Young Black Entrepreneurs

Many young Black professionals, like Kahlani Jackson, feel a deep commitment to improving conditions for their community. Her business, Asheville Pro-Lash and Salon, serves as a cultural hub and a source of empowerment for young Black individuals, even as she juggles multiple jobs to make ends meet.

Homecoming and Rebuilding

Vice Mayor Antanette Mosley reflects on her journey back to Asheville, noting the effort to rebuild the dwindling Black professional community. Her experiences highlight the challenges that persist while simultaneously revealing the resilience of those striving for change.

As Asheville continues to grapple with these complexities, the stories of its residents serve as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for equity, representation, and cultural identity.

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