When you see the list of volunteer activities Renee’ White is involved with, you may wonder how she has time for it all.
President of the East End/Valley Street Neighborhood Association for seven years, Ms. White received the Volunteer of the Year Award during Asheville City Council’s May 22nd meeting.
East End/Valley Street Neighborhood Association members lined up to nominate this tireless community volunteer.
“The East End is a historically African American neighborhood that celebrates and clings to its roots in the ever-changing Asheville development boom,” said Amanda Broderick. “Renee’ leads the (neighborhood) organization with inclusiveness and welcomes all residents, whether they are newcomers or have lived a lifetime in the East End.”
Sometimes neighborhood discussions get heated, noted Helen Lindberg. “Renee’ has a way with people and conducts our monthly meetings with a boatload of poise,” Lindberg said.
Besides being president of the East End/Valley Street Neighborhood Association, Ms. White also distinguished herself with multiple community involvements, including:
First Vice Chair of Democratic Precinct 1, previous secretary
- NAACP member
- Steward board member, St. James AME Church
- President, St. James AME Church Lay Organization
- WNC District Coordinator for the Second District Lay Organization
- Consultant, Democracy NC Voter Registration Education
- Previous member of the Stephens Lee Center Executive Committee
- Leadership person for ENGAGE Committee for Change Healthcare
- Volunteer, MANNA Food bank, Asheville, and the Salvation Army Rescue Mission, Charlotte
“Renee’s tenure has seen increased participation in neighborhood meetings,” said Carmen Ramos-Kennedy. “She led a multi-month visioning process and promoted reclamation of Martin Luther King Jr. Park as a venue for events more suitable for a family neighborhood.”
Ms. White has organized neighborhood clean-ups, a fall festival and yard sale, a Neighborhood Watch program and promoted cleanup of derelict properties in the East End/Valley Street neighborhood.
“Renee’ has one of the most important qualities of a community leader — the passions to help,” said Ms. Ramos-Kennedy.
We salute Renee’ White for her many contributions to her neighborhood and the City of Asheville!