Name Durham plaza at 5 Points "Baba Chuck Davis Plaza"
The Issue
Ago!
Our late beloved Baba Chuck Davis (Dr. Charles R. Davis, (1/1/1937 – 5/14/2017), made Durham, NC an international home of African and African-inspired dance, drumming, and education. His storied life is an unparalleled contribution to Durham and global history. In 2001 the Washington Post wrote, “His vast knowledge of dance and music from the African continent has helped make African dance part of the American cultural landscape.” He is recognized and included in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture among numerous prestigious accolades and awards.*
Despite his global reach, influence, and impact, Baba Chuck’s commitment and dedication to our Durham community was steadfast and unshakable.
In 1983, Baba Chuck formed his now legendary Durham-based African-American Dance Ensemble (AADE)) with dancers from NCCU and the surrounding neighborhood, many of whom carry his work forward here and abroad. That same year he joined Duke’s dance faculty. He rejoined the American Dance Festival faculty when it moved to Durham in 1978 where he taught and performed with his company over the next 25 years. He taught legions of Durham public school children while based at the Durham Arts Council. Notably, he hosted AADE’s Durham-based Kwanza Festival for 30 years. As a member of the North Carolina Arts Council board for 18 years, he served as chair of the dance panel. Referring to himself as an edutainer, Baba Chuck’s manifest mission was to build bridges and communities through his art form.
It is time for the city of Durham to honor the immeasurable impact Baba Chuck Davis has had, and continues to have, on hundreds of thousands of children and adults here and around the globe. It is time to secure his legacy here at home.
Therefore, with unanimous support of the Durham Cultural Advisory Board, AADE founding and current members, supporters and friends of Baba Chuck, we request the City of Durham officially name the plaza at Five Points, Baba Chuck Davis Plaza.
“Peace, Love, Respect For Everybody.”
* Selected awards and accolades
Founding director of DanceAfrica now in its 49th year at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Succeeded by former student and colleague Abdel R. Salaam, renowned director of Forces of Nature Dance Theatre.
2021 "Bessie" award for excellence
2016, Brooklyn Academy of Music created the annual Chuck Davis Emerging Choreographer Fellowship
2008 Capezio Dance Award for significant contribution to American dance
Honorary doctorates from Medgar Evers College and Williams College
2006 American Dance Festival Balasaraswati/Joy Anne Dewey Beinecke Endowed Chair for Distinguished Teaching
2004 Dance Magazine Award
1992 North Carolina Award in Fine Arts
1999: Named one of the country’s hundred “irreplaceable dance treasures” Dance Heritage Coalition
14
The Issue
Ago!
Our late beloved Baba Chuck Davis (Dr. Charles R. Davis, (1/1/1937 – 5/14/2017), made Durham, NC an international home of African and African-inspired dance, drumming, and education. His storied life is an unparalleled contribution to Durham and global history. In 2001 the Washington Post wrote, “His vast knowledge of dance and music from the African continent has helped make African dance part of the American cultural landscape.” He is recognized and included in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture among numerous prestigious accolades and awards.*
Despite his global reach, influence, and impact, Baba Chuck’s commitment and dedication to our Durham community was steadfast and unshakable.
In 1983, Baba Chuck formed his now legendary Durham-based African-American Dance Ensemble (AADE)) with dancers from NCCU and the surrounding neighborhood, many of whom carry his work forward here and abroad. That same year he joined Duke’s dance faculty. He rejoined the American Dance Festival faculty when it moved to Durham in 1978 where he taught and performed with his company over the next 25 years. He taught legions of Durham public school children while based at the Durham Arts Council. Notably, he hosted AADE’s Durham-based Kwanza Festival for 30 years. As a member of the North Carolina Arts Council board for 18 years, he served as chair of the dance panel. Referring to himself as an edutainer, Baba Chuck’s manifest mission was to build bridges and communities through his art form.
It is time for the city of Durham to honor the immeasurable impact Baba Chuck Davis has had, and continues to have, on hundreds of thousands of children and adults here and around the globe. It is time to secure his legacy here at home.
Therefore, with unanimous support of the Durham Cultural Advisory Board, AADE founding and current members, supporters and friends of Baba Chuck, we request the City of Durham officially name the plaza at Five Points, Baba Chuck Davis Plaza.
“Peace, Love, Respect For Everybody.”
* Selected awards and accolades
Founding director of DanceAfrica now in its 49th year at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Succeeded by former student and colleague Abdel R. Salaam, renowned director of Forces of Nature Dance Theatre.
2021 "Bessie" award for excellence
2016, Brooklyn Academy of Music created the annual Chuck Davis Emerging Choreographer Fellowship
2008 Capezio Dance Award for significant contribution to American dance
Honorary doctorates from Medgar Evers College and Williams College
2006 American Dance Festival Balasaraswati/Joy Anne Dewey Beinecke Endowed Chair for Distinguished Teaching
2004 Dance Magazine Award
1992 North Carolina Award in Fine Arts
1999: Named one of the country’s hundred “irreplaceable dance treasures” Dance Heritage Coalition
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Petition created on September 15, 2026