Join us for an Artist Talk with Tarah Singh, our featured artist in the gallery.

Join us for a contemporary social hour on First Friday! From 7 until, you are invited to one of our art galleries for a social experience that merges contemporary music, libations, and fellowship in one space. It’s a little sophisticated, a little home grown…and a lot of love in one spot.

Join us for The Black Experience Book Club, a monthly gathering held every fourth Thursday at either the YMI Cultural Center’s Art Gallery or just around the corner at Noir Collective AVL. This community-centered series is hosted by alexandria ravenel, YMI’s Director of Community Engagement, and is designed to explore literature that centers the voices, histories, and futures of the African Diaspora. For location details or to RSVP, please contact alexandria ravenel directly at alexandria@ymiculturalcenter.org.

Join us for an art walk that seeks to support and benefit a number of non-profits including the YMI Cultural Center. In the YMI’s space will feature Jordan Smith, mixed media painter. Exhibit runs from 1st May - 7th June. 

Join us for the Ujamaa Marketplace, where culture meets commerce, creativity, and community—an intentional space where emerging entrepreneurs and artisans showcase their talents, build meaningful connections, and goods to market.

Saturday, May 2 | 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM | YMI Cultural Center

Join us for an inaugural showcase celebrating Black creativity and businesses in event and wedding services across the region. This special events and wedding fair is designed to highlight multicultural vendors who specialize in bringing meaningful, memorable experiences to life—from caterers and planners to photographers, designers, and beyond.

Vendors are invited to participate and connect directly with couples, organizations, and community members seeking culturally responsive, high-quality event professionals. Vendor registration is open through April 20, with a low-cost vending fee to encourage broad participation and a diverse range of businesses.

Vendors are encouraged to come prepared to make the most of this opportunity by bringing samples, business cards, and pricing or service sheets to share with prospective clients. Musicians and entertainment professionals may register for 30-minute showcase blocks to highlight their talents as DJs or live performers throughout the day. In addition, basement classroom spaces will be available for vendors who wish to collaborate and fully transform a space - creating immersive displays/experiences to demonstrate complete event and wedding design concepts.  

Be part of a vibrant day of connection, visibility, and community as we uplift and invest in Black (and Brown)-owned businesses.

Join us for a contemporary social hour on First Friday! From 7 until, you are invited to one of our art galleries for a social experience that merges contemporary music, libations, and fellowship in one space. It’s a little sophisticated, a little home grown…and a lot of love in one spot.

Join us for the second reception with Tarah Singh about her newest YMI exhibition, Reframe!

Join the YMI for an unforgettable Jazz & Soul Session featuring Kelle Jolly and the Will Boyd Project!

Join the YMI for an unforgettable Jazz & Soul Session featuring Kelle Jolly and the Will Boyd Project!

Join us for The Black Experience Book Club, a monthly gathering held every fourth Thursday at either the YMI Cultural Center’s Art Gallery or just around the corner at Noir Collective AVL. This community-centered series is hosted by alexandria ravenel, YMI’s Director of Community Engagement, and is designed to explore literature that centers the voices, histories, and futures of the African Diaspora. For location details or to RSVP, please contact alexandria ravenel directly at alexandria@ymiculturalcenter.org.

Come experience a reception with Tarah Singh about her newest YMI exhibition Reframe!

Join us for the Ujamaa Marketplace, where culture meets commerce, creativity, and community—an intentional space where emerging entrepreneurs and artisans showcase their talents, build meaningful connections, and goods to market.

Join the YMI for an unforgettable Jazz & Soul Session featuring Kelle Jolly and the Will Boyd Project!

Join the YMI for an unforgettable Jazz & Soul Session featuring Kelle Jolly and the Will Boyd Project!

Join us for The Black Experience Book Club, a monthly gathering held every fourth Thursday at either the YMI Cultural Center’s Art Gallery or just around the corner at Noir Collective AVL. This community-centered series is hosted by alexandria ravenel, YMI’s Director of Community Engagement, and is designed to explore literature that centers the voices, histories, and futures of the African Diaspora. For location details or to RSVP, please contact alexandria ravenel directly at alexandria@ymiculturalcenter.org.

Join us for the Ujamaa Marketplace, where culture meets commerce, creativity, and community—an intentional space where emerging entrepreneurs and artisans showcase their talents, build meaningful connections, and goods to market.

Come celebrate the roaring twenties and wrap up Black History Month by joining us for a night of appreciation, celebration, and acknowledgment, recognizing those who are trailblazers and unsung heroes in our community. We also introduce our Kujichagulia Organizations-in-Residence Program, our Kuumba Artists-in-Residence, and a few other surprises, as you eat a sumptuous dinner, listening to Kelle Jolly and Will Boyd. Secure your ticket in advance!

Cocktail attire should be observed, inspired by the Harlem Renaissance.

Join the YMI for an unforgettable Jazz & Soul Session featuring Kelle Jolly and the Will Boyd Project!

Join us for The Black Experience Book Club, a monthly gathering held every fourth Thursday at either the YMI Cultural Center’s Art Gallery or just around the corner at Noir Collective AVL. This community-centered series is hosted by alexandria ravenel, YMI’s Director of Community Engagement, and is designed to explore literature that centers the voices, histories, and futures of the African Diaspora. For location details or to RSVP, please contact alexandria ravenel directly at alexandria@ymiculturalcenter.org.

Join us for our 2nd Annual Brunch & Learn with RSAA as we bring 4 Black Cultural Center Directors from around the country to ask the seminal question, “How do we sustain our narratives, histories, and traditions in an age of erasure?”

M & G Events presents Black History Month: Cake & Sip at YMI

For just $55 per person, come learn the art of cake decorating in a fun, hands-on experience. Your cake, decorating tools, and libations are all included—just bring your creativity.

Join us on the first day of Black History Month for something sweet, decadent, and joy-filled.

Celebrating Blackness through cake and community.

Join the YMI Cultural Center for a welcoming genealogy workshop centered on community, memory, and legacy. This gathering invites participants to explore family history as a shared practice—one that honors ancestors, preserves stories, and connects personal journeys to our collective past.

YMI Loves the Kids! Bring your kids, families’ kids, and other children from your neighborhood as we spend a day of learning about Black culture, history, and the arts through tactile and kenetic experiences.

Join us for a conversation with people running for office who want your vote.

Join us for a conversation with people running for office who want your vote.