Blanchard House Institute

We are honored to announce that Blanchard House Institute has been formally accredited as an NGO advisor to UNESCO's 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage! This prestigious recognition was granted during the tenth session of the General Assembly of the States Parties at UNESCO Headquarters. As an accredited NGO, we will have the opportunity to provide advisory services to the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. This includes participating in the Evaluation Body, where we will evaluate requests related to the Convention's listing mechanisms and attend Committee meetings in an advisory capacity. This milestone marks a significant step forward in our mission to promote and preserve cultural heritage. We are honored to join a global community dedicated to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and look forward to contributing to this important cause. Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey. Together, we will continue to protect and celebrate the rich cultural tapestry that unites us all. Elizabeth Caputo Caroline Klibanoff Christopher Kunney, FHIMSS, eFACHDM, MSMOT Danica Lo Blair C. Smith Adédoyin Tęríba Toby Usnik Joan Ai Jaha Cummings ジャハ・カミングス

We are thrilled to announce that Blanchard House Institute has been invited to become an accredited global NGO advisor to UNESCO's 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. This prestigious recognition underscores our commitment to promoting heritage tourism for economic development while preserving and celebrating cultural heritage on a global scale. Recently, we had the honor of participating in the Tenth session of the General Assembly of the States Parties to the Convention at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. It was a privilege to take part in this significant event focused on safeguarding the world's rich intangible cultural heritage for future generations. At Blanchard House Institute, we believe in the transformative power of cultural heritage to inspire, educate, and drive economic growth in communities worldwide. This opportunity marks a significant milestone in our journey to foster mutual understanding and prosperity through collaborative efforts with UNESCO and our global partners. Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this incredible journey. Together, we look forward to continuing our work in promoting heritage tourism as a catalyst for sustainable economic development and celebrating our shared cultural legacy. Joan Ai Jaha Cummings ジャハ・カミングス

In addition to Concordia’s U.S. Summit mainstage event on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 BHI hosted a high-level side event breakfast roundtable the day before as part of efforts to commemorate UNESCO's 20th anniversary of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage that helped set the stage for the mainstage session. This event convened local elected officials and leaders to learn about BHI’s work to develop two national economic and cultural trails to revitalize 250+ underinvested and rural communities impacted by Urban Renewal and historic neglect in honor of the nation’s semiquincentennial in 2026. Launched in 2022, Blanchard House Institute, an extension of the Blanchard House Museum, a charter member of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, has centered new approaches to economic development and shifting perceptions through the Black Wall Street Trail and Seminole Maroon Freedom Trail to promote a greater sense of belonging and prosperity for all Americans. BHI’s work is at the nexus of civic engagement, entrepreneurship, and heritage preservation in honor of the golden age of historic African American business districts and the quest by the Seminole Maroons to achieve the purest form of freedom. Event Program + Guest List (Request Access) https://lnkd.in/gw5QTCma

In the heart of Tuskegee, Alabama, a national pilot for rural healthcare delivery is taking shape. BHI, in partnership with HIMSS (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society), is working hand in hand with the City of Tuskegee and Tuskegee University to harness the power of cutting-edge virtual health technologies. This initiative has broader ambitions: It seeks to elevate Tuskegee University to the coveted R2 Research Institution status, becoming a regional hub for data analytics and data sciences, education, and training. This transformation will not only empower the university but also create a talent pipeline that benefits the broader community and beyond. During the HIMSS Global Health Equity Week virtual discussion between October 23-27 2023, sessions covered healthcare and research and paid tribute to the Black resilience, hope, and excellence that Tuskegee, Alabama, embodies. From science and medicine to architecture, innovation, agriculture, and sustainability, Tuskegee's achievements are often unsung but merit global recognition. Participants learned about the town's rich history and bright future as a beacon of innovation, education, and hope. Video, part 1: https://lnkd.in/gXEjqdfy Video, part 2: https://lnkd.in/g-Y6GMgX

In the heart of Tuskegee, Alabama, a national pilot for rural healthcare delivery is taking shape. BHI, in partnership with HIMSS (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society), is working hand in hand with the City of Tuskegee and Tuskegee University to harness the power of cutting-edge virtual health technologies. This initiative seeks to bridge rural healthcare disparities in the 12-county Alabama Black Belt region, where access to quality healthcare has long been a challenge. Discover how the integration of virtual health solutions promises to revolutionize healthcare access and outcomes in this historically underserved area. But that's not all. Tuskegee University's School of Veterinary Medicine brings its expertise in zoonotic diseases to the table, setting the stage for biomedical and biotechnical research and development that holds immense promise. Learn how this collaboration is poised to empower the university to license pioneering research, positioning Tuskegee as a leader in healthcare innovation.

On October 15, 2023, Blanchard House Institute (BHI) hosted a private workshop in Tuskegee, Alabama in commemoration of UNESCO’s 20th anniversary of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. This event convened local elected officials and leaders to learn about BHI’s work to develop two national economic and cultural trails to revitalize 250+ under-invested and rural communities impacted by Urban Renewal and historic neglect in honor of the nation’s semiquincentennial in 2026. Nestled in the heart of the U.S. South, Tuskegee, Alabama, is a historical gem that shines brightly in the untold story of Black America's resilience, hope, and excellence across various industries, particularly in science, medicine, architecture, innovation, agriculture, and sustainability. Tuskegee, Alabama, tells a profound story of Black excellence, transcending adversity with unparalleled achievements. This remarkable community’s contributions to American society continue to inspire and remind us that the pursuit of resilience, hope, and excellence knows no boundaries. It is a story that deserves recognition and celebration on a global stage, making Tuskegee a vital piece of the rich tapestry of the Black diaspora in America. Event Program + Guest List (Request access) https://lnkd.in/gvDPQ9UK At UNESCO https://lnkd.in/gJqg89ES

Nestled in the heart of the U.S. South, Tuskegee, Alabama, is a historical gem that shines brightly in the untold story of Black America's resilience, hope, and excellence across various industries, particularly in science, medicine, architecture, innovation, agriculture, and sustainability. Tuskegee's legacy in science and medicine is perhaps its most renowned attribute. The Tuskegee Institute, founded by Booker T. Washington in 1881, became a pioneering institution for African American education. Dr. George Washington Carver, a luminary figure in agricultural science conducted groundbreaking research on crop rotation and the uses of the peanut and sweet potato. His contributions revolutionized agriculture, fostering sustainability and prosperity in the rural South.

Tuskegee boasts remarkable architectural achievements, notably the Tuskegee University campus itself. Designed by African American architect Robert R. Taylor, it stands as an architectural masterpiece and is a National Historic Landmark. It is the only college campus that serves as a federal historic site administered by the National Park Service. Innovation thrived in Tuskegee with the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military aviators who soared to distinction during World War II. Their unparalleled bravery shattered racial barriers, paving the way for greater equality in the U.S. armed forces. Tuskegee, Alabama, tells a profound story of Black excellence, transcending adversity with unparalleled achievements. This remarkable community’s contributions to American society continue to inspire and remind us that the pursuit of resilience, hope, and excellence knows no boundaries. It is a story that deserves recognition and celebration on a global stage, making Tuskegee a vital piece of the rich tapestry of the Black diaspora in America.

August 8, 2023 marked the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Blanchard House Institute was honored to have Mr. Nelson Malden, a revered figure in the Civil Rights Movement and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s former barber in Montgomery, join their inaugural event as part of New America's Us@250 Initiative. Mr. Malden flew in from Montgomery to participate in person to mark this milestone occasion.   The event consisted of a private lunch followed by a fireside chat with Mr. Malden that live-streamed from New America's office. Stan Pierre-Louis, President and CEO, Entertainment Software Association (ESA) moderated the fireside chat with Mr. Malden.

On Tuesday, August 15, 2023, Blanchard House Institute and New America joined forces with the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH) to facilitate an interview with Mr. Nelson Malden. The purpose of this collaboration was to capture Mr. Malden's insights and experiences. New America utilized the visuals and audio from this insightful conversation to craft a brief yet impactful video. The primary focus of this video was to highlight Mr. Malden's significant role as an unsung hero of the Civil Rights Movement and the March on Washington, while also capturing his reflections on the path our nation is taking in light of this milestone occasion.   The recording took place in the E.E. Hale Room at the Alabama Department of Archives and History which was closed to the public during this time.   Furthermore, there was a dedicated session for a 30-minute preparation meeting between Mr. Malden and Stan Pierre-Louis, President and CEO of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). Stan led the fireside chat with Mr. Malden on August 28.