If you were reared in Asheville or the surrounding area, you’ve no doubt heard the melodious voice of Asheville, N.C., native Charles “Fats Diamond” Pickens.
Music was always a part of the Pickens family, and Pic, like many black singers, began developing his voice in the church, singing Gospel. In high school he was an athletic standout, but his musical talents continued to be very prevalent. He experienced a large measure of success at a relatively early age. He began to write and record songs, and rose to international stardom as a rhythm-and blues singer.
With talent, success and family, what could go wrong? Everything:
when Pic saw his dream slipping away, he spiraled downward through
self-defeating patterns of behavior. Grateful Steps, Inc., an
independent publisher in Asheville has published God Can Use
Anyone…even me, The Charles Pickens Story by Charles Pickens and Pat
McAfee.
The book tells of his return from depths of despair to an
authentic and lasting success. God Can Use Anyone...even me, offers
inspiration for anyone uncertain of how to find lasting joy despite
life’s trials and injustices.
A CD by the same name is available as a companion to the book —
a story in song of this remarkable journey. Purchase your copy online
at www.gratefulsteps.com, at www.Amazon.com, or inquire at your local
bookstore.
Arts & EntertainmentInternational Ambassador of Hip-Hop, Rennie Harris PuremovementWednesday, 11 January 2012
The preeminent hip-hop dance company in the world, Rennie Harris Puremovement brings pure, contagious stage magic to Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place at 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, February 23-24, 2012.
Win Tickets to this Performance!
Click here for details + Full Story
Arts & EntertainmentWin Tickets to the Rennie Harris Puremovement performanceTuesday, 10 January 2012
For Local Middle School or High School Students Only
Question: Please tell us in 200 words or less why Hip-Hop should be considered an art form. Your essay will be judged by the staff of the Urban News, and featured in the February edition, along with your picture. The... + Full Story
Our TownThe People’s Scholar, Dr. Boyce Watkins, to Keynote Prayer BreakfastWednesday, 11 January 2012
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville & Buncombe County announced that Dr. Boyce Watkins will give the keynote address at the 31st annual Prayer Breakfast honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The breakfast will be the highlight of a series of events from Wednesday,... + Full Story
Our TownGetting to Diversity, Inclusion, and Cultural Competence in Multicultural EnvironmentsWednesday, 11 January 2012
by Don C. Locke
Why “getting to?” Every organization is dynamic in terms of diversity and inclusion. Every organization is in the process of becoming diverse and inclusive. If we really believe in the importance of all people and groups, then every organization has room to... + Full Story
CommunitiesMLK Week Events & CelebrationsWednesday, 11 January 2012
31st Annual Prayer Breakfast - 8:30 a.m.
The Prayer Breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Grand
Ballroom of the historic Grove Park Inn & Resort at 290 Macon
Avenue. Guest speaker Dr. Boyce Watkins will be joined by the Unity
& Fellowship Choir and other distinguished guests.... + Full Story
Staff Reports
