The UNC Asheville Center for Diversity Education (CDE) is charged with providing inclusive educational resources and programming to area K-16 schools and the greater community through UNC Asheville and community partnerships. The CDE works toward centering marginalized voices to create a more just, inclusive, and equitable community by supporting current and future educators, students, families, and community leaders at UNC Asheville and WNC.
As we continue to develop our collection towards culturally responsive and relevant resources for educators, we will make them available here.
CDE Exhibits Available
Claxton Elementary Centennial Celebration, 2024 (digital version only; laminated posters on display at Claxton Elementary School)
In honor of Claxton Elementary School’s Centennial Celebration, the CDE curated a historical timeline and oral histories that help tell the story of this 100 year old public elementary school in Asheville City Schools. This exhibit recognizes the school’s history within the context of the greater community, including its acknowledgment of Stephens-Lee High School, the school for Black students prior to integration whose architect, Ronald Greene, designed both Claxton Elementary and Stephens-Lee High.
Health Care Parity: Bending the Arc for Equality in Buncombe County, 2015 (large retractable banners only)
The history of health and health care for African American/Black citizens in Buncombe County represents over a century of inequity. Except for the determination of a few African American/Black medical professionals and too few White allies, this exhibit offers a historical context that has influenced the contemporary structures of health care delivery.
With All Deliberate Speed: School Desegregation in Buncombe County, 2007 (canvas and laminated posters available)
This exhibit looks at the actions of individuals and institutions and the role they played in the integration of the community from the early 1950’s to the turn of the century. In particular, the exhibit features the activities of the Asheville Student Committee on Racial Equality (ASCORE) who worked to desegregate Asheville from 1960-1965.
- New! Supplementary Google Slides/Pear Deck, 2023
- With All Deliberate Speed: School Desegregation in Buncombe County – Student Activities
Choosing to Remember: From the Shoah to the Mountains, 2006 (canvas and laminated posters available)
This exhibit shares the experiences of residents of WNC who are personally connected to the Shoah (Hebrew word for the Holocaust). Their stories create a timeline from the beginning of the Holocaust in the early 1930s to the impact survivors and their families continue to face.
Coming to the Mountains: Immigration & Western North Carolina, 2006 (canvas and laminated posters available)
This exhibit shares the stories of immigrants who began moving to WNC in the early 1800s through the present. The focus of “Coming to the Mountains” is on the businesses, both historic and contemporary, that immigrants to our community have established.
An Unmarked Trail, 2005 (canvas and laminated posters available)
This exhibit gives local history and can be split between 1850-1900 and 1900-1950. The research for this exhibit was conducted by students from AC Reynolds, Asheville, and Roberson High Schools under the leadership of the Center and local educator, Tori Leslie.
WW II Mountain Memories: Home Front to the Frontline, 2003 (canvas available)
This exhibit is based on interviews from over 75 local veterans and civilians and presents the issues of diversity that were central to World War II, including the Holocaust, the internment of the Japanese, the changing role of women, the segregated army, and much more.
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Educational Poster Sets
These sets are available for educational purposes, but were not created by the CDE.
History and Imagery from The Holocaust (foam core and laminated posters available)
This is available as a laminated poster set or foam board set that can be displayed on easels (not provided).
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Exhibit and Poster Reservation Information
Most exhibits are available for rent in two formats:
- 24″x 18″ Laminated poster – fits on an easel or may be hung on a bulletin board
- 44″x 34″ Canvas banner – hangs from hooks on drop-in ceiling or attaches to a wall, panels, or glass
K-12 Schools: Free Reservation
The exhibits are available at no-charge for up to one month with pickup at UNC Asheville Highsmith Student Union front desk. Includes easels, teacher materials, and student guides.
Organizations and Businesses: Paid Reservations
- Houses of Worship, Community Organizations, Non-Profits, and Post-Secondary Schooling: $100 monthly. A staff member will drop the exhibit off and return for pick-up one month later. The borrowing agency is responsible for exhibit installation.
- Businesses and Corporations: $200 monthly. A staff member will drop the exhibit off and return for pick-up one month later. The renting agency is responsible for exhibit installation. Day rates are available at $25.00