Changing the Times

Get to know Asheville legend Matthew Bacote Jr., a civil rights activist and entrepreneur.

Every few months, 95-year-old Matthew Bacote Jr. goes to his bank in downtown Asheville to collect half-dollar coins. These coins have made their way into the hands of thousands of strangers over the years. When Bacote has a positive interaction with someone, he gives them a half-dollar as a show of appreciation and respect; for this reason, many locals consider receiving one of Bacote’s coins to be the marker of a true Ashevillian. Bacote’s unusual method of spreading gratitude to his community goes well beyond his coin distribution system—his efforts to improve the city are a major reason why Asheville integrated in a relatively-peaceful way in the 1960s and subsequently grew economically in the years that followed. 

After serving in the Korean War, Bacote took a variety of odd jobs around Asheville, including a local bowling alley. He persuaded the owner to allow Black customers on Sundays, and after white bowlers joined them, it became the first business in Asheville to integrate. He continued this pattern over the years with other businesses, and eventually started working with the Asheville Chamber of Commerce to improve the city’s economy by uplifting minority communities. 

(Left) Since its inception the Skyview Golf Tournament has created space for Black golfers. (Right) Bacote at the Asheville Municipal Golf Course.

Since its inception the Skyview Golf Tournament has created space for Black golfers.

Eventually, Bacote opened AFRAM, a medical supply company and the first Black-owned business of its kind (WEDGE Brewing in the River Arts District now resides in the historic building). Bacote also served as a consultant for local, state, and federal administrations over the years, and in 2023, he won the William A.V. Cecil Tourism Leadership Award for his contributions to Buncombe County’s tourism sector and community involvement. 

Nowadays, Bacote can often be found walking around the Block, Asheville’s Black Business District, and talking to many of his friends and colleagues about various charitable organizations that he’s involved with, including LEAF Global Arts, the YMI Cultural Center, and, most notably, the Skyview Golf 

Tournament, an all-Black fundraiser he helped start in 1960.

For the last several months, Bacote has been working to ensure the return of the Skyview Golf Tournament this summer. Now in its 65th year, the tournament has always been held at Asheville Municipal Golf Course (nicknamed Muni), which sustained extensive damage during Hurricane Helene. Although nine holes have reopened, Muni is still undergoing repairs and is not a viable option for the three-day event this year. Instead, it will be held at the Country Club of Asheville on September 22 and 23.     

Skyview Golf Tournament
To stay up-to-date on the tournament, visit skyviewgolfasheville.com