It’s easy to stay in your own world these days, life can feel like a constant whirlwind. Yet, there are powerful moments when our community comes together to celebrate connection. United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, as a backbone community organization, co-creates spaces with partners where people and families unite for joyful, meaningful experiences. The United for Youth Community Engagement Block Party, held on Friday, August 22, was one such spectacular event.
The Block Party showed what happens when connection turns into action. More than 75 community partners came together, representing education, arts, STEAM, after-school programs, mentoring, and more. Each brought an interactive experience ranging from Block Party bingo, raffles, robot building, bracelet making, and so much more. Youth played, created, and explored new interests, while parents and guardians built relationships with trusted adults who shared opportunities to support their kids.
Epic youth performances lit up the central stage all evening. Guided by Slay the Mic, the entire lineup was youth-led—and they absolutely delivered. From a girl rock band and step teams to Latin dancers, singer-songwriters, and marching bands, the talent was incredible. Holding it all together was DJ Solstice, who was set to start her freshman year of high school just three days later. She kept the vibe alive with tracks that set the tone, energized the crowd, and flowed seamlessly between performances and background music. At one point, the whole square was dancing to her mixes.
Two brand-new sixth graders also took the stage as emcees, and they owned it. With poise and excitement, they introduced each act and even led on-stage interviews with professionals and community partners. Imagine two middle schoolers confidently standing in front of 1,000 people, asking thoughtful questions they had prepared—with caring adults nearby just in case they needed a hand. By the end of the night, they were so energized they begged to emcee “for the rest of their lives.” It was a powerful example of what happens when young people are given the mic and surrounded by support.
Behind the scenes, another kind of magic was unfolding. A youth video team, made up of elementary through young adult students, had been working for weeks with UWABC and professional mentors to plan shots and write the script. On event day, they were everywhere: mic’d up, cameras in hand, capturing the Block Party from their own perspective. And the story doesn’t end there. In the weeks ahead, we’ll continue mentoring them through editing and storytelling so that when the video is ready, it’ll be 100% youth-centered (and worth the wait)
At its core, the United For Youth Community Engagement Block Party was more than a day of engagement; it was a powerful example of what happens when every young person is supported by a community of trusted, caring adults. On that Friday, Asheville saw it in action: families from across Buncombe County connecting, partners from every sector showing up, and youth stepping into the spotlight with confidence and joy.
A special thanks to all the partners and community members who made this event possible.
Keep the Joy Going:
Sign up to receive monthly stories, just like this one, directly in your inbox. Here
Help to make this work possible: Donate today
Learn More about United For Youth here