Each and every person at the YMI Cultural Center makes a difference to the complex, ongoing work of advancing the black community here in Buncombe County. We have and will continue to stand in and lead the way for black rights, social justice and changing... And with the community by our side, we will continue to accelerate to the next milestones for Black People.Initially branded as “The Young Men’s Institute”, the more commonly known YMI Cultural Center is one of the oldest, most unique and beautiful Black cultural centers in the United States. The YMI is a local landmark within the City of Asheville, North Carolina and is on the National Register of Historic Places.