Asheville's Juneteenth Celebrations, Community Resilience, and a Tragic Loss

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Friday, June 20, 2025.

Kicking off your Friday in Asheville, the city is wrapping up a week packed with Juneteenth festivities that have brought together locals from all walks of life. Highlighting the celebration, Downtown After 5 at Pack Square Park tonight doubles as a Juneteenth event, offering live music, local food vendors, and a vibrant atmosphere right in the heart of downtown. The city’s Juneteenth events this week have included film screenings, discussion sessions, and walking tours spotlighting Asheville’s Black history and cultural contributions, all designed to deepen awareness and bring the community together.

Last night, the Juneteenth Gala and Fashion Show at AB Tech Community College was a standout. Chef Ramona Young of Kente Kitchen Market treated attendees to a special meal, and the Free Flow Band kept everyone on their feet. The evening was not just about celebration, but also remembrance and resilience, especially after the recent impact of Helene on our community. Organizers and local leaders emphasized the importance of unity and storytelling, with powerful words from community leaders like Renee White, who underscored how these events help keep Asheville connected and moving forward.

In local news, Asheville is mourning the loss of Sally Anne Wheeler, a 74-year-old resident who tragically lost her life after being struck by a sanitation vehicle. Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this difficult time, and the city is reviewing sanitation protocols to help prevent such incidents in the future.

Travelers in the area should plan ahead as the I-40 rockslide repairs continue. Officials say it may take at least two more weeks before the interstate is fully reopened, so expect detours and some extra drive time if you’re headed across state lines. Local businesses and drivers are doing their best to adapt, but there’s no doubt the closure is impacting commutes and deliveries.

As Asheville heats up with the first major heat wave of 2025, temperatures are climbing into the upper 80s. Weather officials are urging folks to stay hydrated, check on neighbors, and take it easy during the hottest part of the day. If you need to cool off, Asheville’s parks and splash pads are open, and there’s never a bad day for a stroll along the shaded trails of the Botanical Gardens or a dip in one of the area’s beautiful swimming holes.

Before we go, a shout-out to the Swannanoa homeowner who just moved into a brand new home thanks to a faith-based nonprofit, offering hope and stability after Helene. It’s another example of how Asheville’s spirit shines through in challenging times.

That’s your Asheville Local Frequency for this Friday. Whether you’re heading out to Downtown After 5, checking out a Juneteenth walking tour, or just soaking in summer in the Blue Ridge, enjoy your day and look out for one another. This has been Asheville Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.