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.

The AAHH 2024 Season Speaker Program Announced

Thanks to our many friends and supporters, the AAHH Program Committee under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Sterling Freeman is pleased to once again present an outstanding and diverse set of speakers to celebrate not only the 150th Anniversary of the Chautauqua Institution but also the 50th Anniversary of Freedom Summer.

A brief bio for each speaker can be accessed by simply clicking on their name below.

Week One: Marla Frederick Ph.D., John Lord O’Brian Professor of Divinity and 18th Dean of Harvard Divinity School

Week Two: Dr. Conrad Tucker, Director of Carnegie Mellon University-Africa (CMU-Africa) and the Associate Dean for International Programs-Africa

Week Three: Rev. Traci Blackmon, Minister and Public Theologian

Week Four: Helen Bond, Ph.D., University Professor in the School of Education at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

Week Five: Pierce Freelon, GRAMMY® nominated Artist, Picture Book Author and Podcaster

Week Six: Dr. Tammy L. Kernodle, University Distinguished Professor of Music at Miami University (OH)

Week Seven: Patrick T. Smith, Ph.D., Director of Bioethics Programs for the Trent Center for Bioethics, Humanities & History of Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine

Week Eight: Raymond Arsenault, John Hope Franklin Professor of Southern History emeritus at the University of South Florida

Week Nine: Nolan Williams, Jr., Founder & CEO of NEWorks Productions

President Erroll Davis noted “I want to thank Sterling and the team for another job well done. But, I especially want to thank our friends and supporters whose generosity has allowed us to assemble yet one more quality summer program.”

Each Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 pm EDT, there will be a reception for the weekly speaker to which all are invited. At the reception, there will be an opportunity to get a preview of the next day’s speech as well as an opportunity to interact with the speaker on a very personal level. Speeches will be at 3:30 pm EDT each Wednesday in the Hall of Philosophy. Please join us for these weekly events.

The AAHH 2023-2026 Strategic Plan Announced

The AAHH Board recently approved a Strategic Plan developed under the leadership of Board Member Rebecca Pickens and a Strategic Planning Committee. The plan lays out a direction for the organization over the next few years with a clear focus on Engagement, Community and Sustainability. AAHH President Erroll Davis noted that, "We have focused on a number of areas over the years in our ongoing quest to help the Chautauqua Institution be an open and welcoming place for all. The recent acquisition of a physical house and this plan will clearly accelerate our efforts while at the same time incorporating the broader community into the accomplishment of our goals and objectives. To say that we are all excited would be an understatement.

A copy of the full plan can be found here.

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