Photo Album: Gathering at the Anderson Rosenwald: A Step Toward Beloved Community
Events like this don’t just happen—they’re created by people who care deeply, who show up, and who believe that justice and belonging are worth striving for. Huge thanks to everyone who helped make the night possible.
On the evening of April 1, 2025, the historic Anderson Rosenwald School in Mars Hill, N.C., warmly welcomed approximately 40 community members for the Beloved Community Potluck. Hosted by the Madison County Racial Justice Coalition (RJC), this gathering epitomized unity, reflection, and collective aspiration toward a more inclusive community.
Attendees arrived with an array of homemade dishes, each contributing to a shared meal that fostered fellowship and open dialogue. The evening's program was thoughtfully guided by Ashtin and Nevaeh, who led participants through reflective discussions centered on envisioning a 'beloved community.' These conversations delved into identifying existing barriers to achieving such a community and collaboratively exploring actionable strategies to overcome them.
There were some powerful moments as people shared their experiences, dreams, and frustrations. But what stood out most was the collective energy in the room—this feeling that even with barriers, we can choose to do the work together. And that evening, we did just that.
The event not only honored the rich history of the Anderson Rosenwald School but also reinforced the ongoing commitment of Madison County residents to pursue justice and inclusivity. By engaging in meaningful dialogue and sharing diverse perspectives, participants took significant steps toward nurturing a community where equity and understanding prevail.
For those interested in learning more about the Madison County Racial Justice Coalition and future events, please regularly check racialjusticemadison.org.
About Mars Hill’s Historic Anderson Rosenwald School
If you ever get the chance to visit Mars Hill’s Anderson Rosenwald School—do it. It’s more than a building. It’s a living reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we can go, together.
Mars Hill’s Anderson Rosenwald School, constructed in 1929-1930 in the Long Ridge Community of Mars Hill, stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of Julius Rosenwald and Booker T. Washington to advance African American education in the segregated South.
As one of the nearly 5,000 Rosenwald Schools built across the Southern United States, it has been meticulously restored and now serves as a beacon of cultural heritage and community engagement.
