Since 2013 an initiative has been underway to create an African American “House” at Chautauqua. The African American Heritage House (AAHH) was developed with the encouragement of the Chautauqua Institution board and senior leadership, and growing numbers of African American leaders from around the country who gather here each summer. The AAHH will be part of that network that welcomes and fosters interfaith, secular, cultural and civic interaction in an inclusive manner.
The AAHH Board President is Erroll Davis of Atlanta (former superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools, Chancellor of the University System of Georgia and Chairman and CEO of Alliant Energy Corporation) and Vice President Dr. Helene Gayle (a lifelong Chautauquan from Buffalo, current CEO of Chicago Community Trust and former CEO of CARE). They welcome African American leaders and citizens from around the world to come and discover Chautauqua’s potential for convening leaders for discussions and strategic planning for community uplift in an atmosphere of rich intellectual and cultural stimulation.
Chautauqua plays a unique educational role today, offering studies on a vacation level, a more serious level and a professional level. In addition, there are enhanced learning opportunities within Chautauqua’s other programming. Music, the arts, religion, recreation and the pursuit of knowledge are all available. Younger and older students often share learning experiences in an open, congenial atmosphere. Children and young people are also provided with their own special programs.
