A Proud and Sustaining History

The YMI Cultural Center is an enduring asset in the City of Asheville. Housed in a local landmark building which is on the National Register of Historic Places, the YMICC runs programs in cultural arts, community education and economic development. Commissioned by George Vanderbilt in 1892, this beautiful, multi-level 18,000 square foot, Tudor-style structure was built by and for the several hundred Negro craftsmen who helped construct the Biltmore House. It became known as the Young Men's Institute or YMI.

Very quickly, the YMI developed into the center of social, cultural, civic, commercial and religious life for local African-Americans. It offered a kindergarten and gymnasium, and even bathing facilities. Congregations without church buildings worshipped here and Sunday afternoon song services became popular. Between 1926 and 1966, the YMI housed the public library used by the city's black population. As well, there was a corner drugstore, a funeral parlor and the offices of Dr. James W. Bryan, one of Asheville's first African-American doctors.

It was not until 1980 that the YMI took on its present role. Under the leadership of Dr. John White, a coalition of local black churches formed the Cultural Center organization and launched an eight-year, million-dollar, award-winning renovation program. Today, as the most enduring African-America socio-cultural institution in Western North Carolina and as a unifying voice for community concerns, the YMI Cultural Center offers renewed direction and leadership to all whom it services.

Those Who First Signed On

In June of 1906, 48 individuals from the African-American community signed the YMI note for $10, 010 transferring the property from George Vanderbilt to YMI, Inc. By profession these citizens of Asheville included two ministers, two physicians, two contractors, a school principal, and undertaker, a barber, a tailor, and a realtor/insurance agent. These were:

The YMI Cultural Center is for Everyone

A national historic landmark that links past and present, the YMI has come to symbolize the dreams and needs of the community. Economically, the YMICC was instrumental in the creation of the South Pack Square Redevelopment Plan and has become a partner of the Pack Place Education, Art and Science Center. Through a special agreement with the City of Asheville and the YMI Cultural Center, the Asheville, Parks and Recreation Department utilizes the YMICC to enhance its cultural arts programming and facilitate program development between cultural arts organizations.

Photo: Interior of YMI Drugstore, 1910, courtesy of Heritage of Black Highlanders Collection, D.H. Ramsey Library, Special Collections, University of North Carolina at Asheville 28804.