Originally celebrated almost solely within the African American community, interest in the observance of the end of the institution of slavery in the United States is on the rise, with two events planned in Asheville for June 19.
In August 2019, Brian Ngatunga enrolled at Asheville High School. The international exchange student planned to be here for just a year. But COVID-19 has delayed his return home, postponing his long-awaited reunion with his family in Mwanza, Tanzania.
“Plainly and unequivocally, common sense says keep the slave where he is now — in servitude,” declared Zebulon Vance, in a May 16, 1860 address to the House of Representatives.
