2026 Summer Programming
The African American Heritage House (AAHH} is pleased to announce its plans for the 2026 Chautauqua Assembly Season. The Board and the operating team are excited for the many activities planned for visitors to Chautauqua Institution this year. And you're welcome to stop by our booth at the Chautauqua Institution's Activity Fair (on most Sundays from Noon to 1:30 PM at Bestor Plaza) to learn more.
New programming in 2026: Executive Director Sean Hawkins, Events Assistant Tanavia Saintkitts, and Distinguished Fellow Kwame Alexander are new to the AAHH this year. We will host The Innovators Series weekly on Tuesdays at 4:00 pm. with the following speakers.
Week 1: Dr. Saundra Liggins on the History of Black Women"s Literature
Week 2: Actress and Author, Karyn Parsons (Fresh Prince of Bel Air} on Hollywood and Her Career as an Author
Week 3: Rev. Verdis Levar Robinson on Role of Religion in America's Redemption
Week 4: Shonda Buchannan on Hidden Black Indian Figures and Heritage of America
Week 5: Stand-up Comedian and Psychologist, Meshelle Foreman
Week 6: Gordon Parks Documentary Film Festival
Week 7: Dr. Marcus D. Watson on African American History through Art
Week 8: Special Performance by Kwame Alexander with Musical Guest
Week 9: Culinary Art Demonstration and Food Pop-up with Alexa and Edreys Wajed
AAHH’s Special Programs:
● Wednesday Evenings: Live Music Series
● June 27th - August 1st: West African Art Exhibit
● Wednesday, July 1st: How to Write a Children’s Book Seminar with Nikki Shannon Smith
● August 1 - August 31: Black American Photography Exhibit
● August 3rd & 4th: Inaugural Gordon Parks Documentary Film Festival at the Chautauqua Cinema
● Weeks 8 & 9: Dare Coulter's "An American Story" Sculpture Exhibit in conjunction with CHQ Visual Arts Department at the Visual Arts Gallery
For a downloadable flyer with this information, feel free to click this link.
