Africa International House

Africa International House Africa International House serves as a center to present arts and culture from throughout the africa The story of Africa International House USA, Inc.

(AIH) begins at Window to Africa (WTA) - an African art and gift store in Harper Court, Hyde Park - owned by Dr. Delores (Dee) Parmer and Patrick Woodtor who returned from Liberia in 1982. WTA was operated by art & cultural enthusiasts: Joanne Scott, Shionah Chancellor, Steven B. Jackson, Dayo Laoye, Gwen Luster and Curtis Chancellor. Programs at WTA drew large crowds and included exhibitions, fai

rs and fashion shows. The Bahamas National Dance Troupe premiered in Chicago as one of these events. In 1989, WTA convened a group of cultural supporters to manage the WTA activities which became the African Festival of the Arts (AFA). In 1994, the Woodtor family incorporated Africa International House USA, Inc (AIH) as a nonprofit organization to manage the AFA, with the mission: "To serve as a center that exposes and educates all peoples to the individual works and collective contributions of African cultures." AIH, governed by a board of directors, combines community support with corporate sponsorship to present Chicago audiences with art and cultural programs through our Center for Contemporary African Art and Culture.

WE NEED YOU! Become a Volunteer at the 36th Annual African Festival of the Arts! 🌍👑It takes a community to bring one of ...
08/21/2026

WE NEED YOU! Become a Volunteer at the 36th Annual African Festival of the Arts! 🌍👑

It takes a community to bring one of Chicago’s most beloved cultural celebrations to life—and YOU can be part of it!

Join Africa International House USA as a volunteer for the 36th Annual African Festival of the Arts and help us welcome thousands of guests for an unforgettable Labor Day Weekend filled with African art, music, food, fashion, culture, and community.

✨ Meet new people
✨ Give back to the community
✨ Experience the festival from behind the scenes
✨ Help us continue a Chicago tradition more than 35 years strong!

📲 Ready to volunteer? Visit aihusa.org and scroll to Volunteer to sign up.

📞 Questions? Call (773) 955-ARTS (2787)

Come lend your time, energy, and talents as we celebrate and Crown the African Spirit! 👑🌍

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS! Want to be part of one of Chicago’s most beloved cultural celebrations? Africa International Hou...
08/20/2026

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!

Want to be part of one of Chicago’s most beloved cultural celebrations? Africa International House needs YOU for the 36th Annual African Festival of the Arts, happening September 5–7, 2026 in Washington Park!

Volunteering is a great opportunity to give back, connect with the community, meet new people, and help us create an unforgettable Labor Day Weekend celebrating African art, music, food, fashion, culture, and heritage.

Come volunteer. Come serve. Come celebrate with us!

📅 September 5–7, 2026
📍 Washington Park, Chicago
📞 (773) 955-ARTS (2787)
🌐 aihusa.org

Volunteer registration deadline: Monday, August 31, 2026.

Tag someone who would make a GREAT festival volunteer! 🙌🏾❤️💚💛

08/19/2026
Experience one of the nation's premier celebrations of African and African Diaspora culture at the 36th Annual African F...
08/10/2026

Experience one of the nation's premier celebrations of African and African Diaspora culture at the 36th Annual African Festival of the Arts Labor Day Weekend!

Washington Park Sunken Garden
55th Street & Cottage Grove Avenue
Chicago, Illinois
🗓 September 5–7, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Daily

This year's theme, "Crowning the African Spirit," honors the rich traditions, creativity, resilience, and global influence of people of African descent.

For three unforgettable days, immerse yourself in:
Live music & entertainment
African marketplace with unique vendors
Authentic cuisine from around the world
Art, culture & family activities
Dance, fashion & cultural performances
Community, connection & celebration

🎟️ Get your tickets today: 36th Annual African Festival of the Arts Tickets (https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/african-international-house/36th-annual-african-festivals-of-the-arts?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Celebrate. Experience. Connect. Crown the African Spirit.

Gather your family and friends and be part of a Chicago Labor Day tradition that has inspired generations.

Save the Date! 🖤❤️💚Join Africa International House USA, Inc. for the 2026 Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration & Marketplace as we co...
07/29/2026

Save the Date! 🖤❤️💚

Join Africa International House USA, Inc. for the 2026 Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration & Marketplace as we come together to honor our heritage, celebrate the spirit of Imani (Faith), and embrace the rich traditions that unite us.

Enjoy a day filled with culture, community, shopping, music, art, and meaningful connections as we prepare for the Kwanzaa season.

📅 Saturday, December 19, 2026

Mark your calendars and invite your family and friends for a celebration of African culture, unity, and faith. Together, let’s celebrate our roots, support local businesses, and strengthen our community.

07/27/2026

Yesterday, my heart sank when I arrived at Southside Gospel Church and saw that most of our garden had been devastated.

But look at it today! 🌱💚 What a difference a little care, determination, and community can make. This is a reminder that even after setbacks, growth is always possible.

07/27/2026

We stopped by POAH’s Burnham Building yesterday to check on our community garden, and it’s exciting to see the progress! 🌱

This is one of four gardening projects Community Arts is collaborating on with community partners this summer. These gardens are more than just growing vegetables—they’re cultivating connections, encouraging creativity, and bringing people together through the joy of gardening. We can’t wait to watch each garden flourish throughout the season! 🌼🥕🌿

07/27/2026

It’s always rewarding to see community partnerships in action! Today, we’re at Pioneer Village checking on the progress of our beautification project with the amazing seniors. Together, we’re creating a more beautiful and welcoming entrance—one that reflects the pride and spirit of the community. Stay tuned for the transformation!

07/27/2026

We’re at Pioneer Village today visiting our wonderful seniors and checking on the progress of our collaborative beautification project. It’s inspiring to see this shared effort come to life as we work together to create a more welcoming and beautiful entrance for the community.

Address

6200 S. Drexel Avenue
Chicago, IL
60637

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Africa International House posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Africa International House:

Shortcuts

Share