The African-American Heritage House (AAHH) is an organization informed by the African American Experience, committed to strengthening Chautauqua by encouraging and welcoming diversity, fostering honest conversations, and adding new voices to the programmatic mix. The AAHH is proud to bring quality programming with unique perspectives to the Chautauqua Institution.

Our Summer 2026 Programming is Coming Soon!

The African American Heritage House AAHH at Chautauqua, a nonprofit committed to strengthening the Chautauqua Institution by encouraging and welcoming diversity, fostering honest conversations, and adding new voices to the programmatic mix, today announced the appointment of New York Times bestselling author, Emmy®-winning producer and founder of the literary non-profit, One Word at a Time, Kwame Alexander, as its 2026 Inaugural Distinguished Fellow. Sean Hawkins was also named as the Director of the AAHH.

“Erroll Davis’ vision is for the AAHH to become a cultural center for building a community accessible for all through the eyes of the African American experience. The board gave an instantaneous, wholehearted, and enthusiastic approval for this appointment,” said Ted First, “as we believe that Kwame will bring another dimension to the house and our vision.”

Alexander and Hawkins invite everyone to gather for a season of art, ideas, and fellowship, featuring rotating art exhibits, outdoor music performances, movie nights, convivial dinner parties, intimate conversations with artists and changemakers, and thought‑provoking talks that explore history, culture, and the future. From informal walk‑throughs to classes, film discussions, book salons, live music, and community celebrations, the program centers Black creativity and experience while welcoming all communities - veterans, the LGBTQ+ community, people from all denominations, EVERYONE - to listen, learn, and connect.

Kwame Alexander brings his extensive portfolio of involvement in literacy, television, entrepreneurship and thought leadership to this Fellowship. He was previously the Michael I. Rudell Artistic Director of Literary Arts and Inaugural Writer-in-Residence at the Chautauqua Institution and has demonstrated a strong commitment to building community through literature and the arts within the Institution and the surrounding community.

“Our goal, as set forth by the founders and the Board, is to continue the legacy of making Chautauqua a more vibrant community, helping African Americans feel more welcome at CHQ, and fostering a sense of community engagement and empowerment, through the arts and humanities. Won’t you come celebrate with us lakeside for inspiration, dialogue, and joy—week after week, all summer long,”