AAWA was founded in 1972, but fully established in 1974 by a group of pioneering African-American women who worked in the newly independent African countries as representatives of the United States under the aegis of the U.S. State Department. These women saw firsthand the needs of the women and children in the countries they served in. On returning to the US, they decided to be proactive and formed the African and American Women Association. The bonds of friendships they had established and their vast experiences formed a solid foundation on which to build.
They wanted the African women who were coming into the US to be a part of the wonderful country they grew up in. AAWA women helped them with family adjustment, schooling, and housing. These established long-lasting relationships among the various women and even men new to the United States. The association was opened to spouses of ambassadors, embassy personnel, students from the Diaspora and ladies with common interests and experiences.