AIH History

First major African fashion show in Chicago

Apr 21, 1986

First major African fashion show in Chicago featuring traditional and contemporary African garments, as well as adaptations which later became known as Afrocentric clothing, in collaboration with the Harper Court Foundation. Subsequent fashion shows were held in 1987 and 1988.

Performances of African masks

Apr 21, 1988

In 1988 we introduced the performances of African masks as seen in their natural and traditional forms and costumes, which formed the basis of many mask groups in the country especially the now famous group (S.P.I.R.I.T.S. - SOA - 1988)

National Dance Troupe of Bahamas

Apr 21, 1992

National Dance Troupe of Bahamas, in collaboration with the Sammy Dyer School of Dance, performed at an event sponsored by AIH.

African Diaspora Exchange

Apr 21, 1995

An occasional presentation of personalities from the African Diaspora in an informal discussion format. For example Pedro Pedrez Sarduy of Cuba was presented in 2000 in collaboration with the Center for Inner City Studies of Northeastern University.

Olodum of Brazil

Apr 21, 1996

Olodum of Brazil, a Bahain based percussion and dance troupe, performed at an AIH event. The troupe returned the following year for an encore performance.

Bale Foclorico da Bahia

Apr 21, 1996

At the invitation of AIH, Bale Foclorico da Bahia, a 36 member dance troupe from Brazil, came to Chicago and performed.

Les Voix Des Divas Noir

Apr 21, 1997

Presented by AIH, Les Voix Des Divas Noir (Voices of Black Divas) celebrated the Black female voice and featured divas from Brazil, Ivory Coast, Benin, Mali and the USA.

From Griots to Rap %u2013 Rap to Rhapsody

Apr 21, 1997

Commissioned by AIH and created by jazz artist, Robert Irvin III, From Griots to Rap - Rap to Rhapsody is a musical piece which fused African and African-American musical traditions .

Garth Fagan Dance - Spring Festival of Dance

Apr 21, 1998

Garth Fagan Dance - Spring Festival of Dance.

Window To Africa Radio

Apr 21, 1999

An hour long cultural show on WVON Radio (1450 AM), featuring African music, lead stories, discussions and perspectives in celebration of our 5th season.

Local Performing Arts

Apr 21, 1999

Local Performing Arts presented in Parks on the Southside @ the midway (Hyde Park), in collaboration with the Chicago Park District.

Africa Day at Hamilton Park

Apr 21, 1999

Africa Day at Hamilton Park (creation and presentation of African-centered %u2013 all-day programs in Hamilton Park), in collaboration with the Chicago Park District.

Youssou N%u2019dour of Senegal

Apr 21, 2003

Youssou N%u2019dour of Senegal concert - the most popular living African Performing Artists (named the African Artist of the Century), in collaboration with the Chicago Cultural Center.

15th anniversary CD Release

Apr 21, 2004

15th anniversary CD Release (Hayzu, Medu, Neter %u2013 songs in the language of the gods), in collaboration with Robert %u201CBaabe%u201D Irving III and the African Arts Ensemble