Our Mission

The African and American Women's Association is a non-profit
organization dedicated to the establishment of closer relationships and understanding between the women of the African Diaspora through cultural, educational, charitable and social activities.

Who We Are

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.

Their Goal Was Simple

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.

More than 40 years later, AAWA is still building on the vision and mission set forth by the founders:

Elsie Austin
Ruth Clement Bond
Lula Dawson
Huaua Diatta
Bernice Deglar
Mary Dougherty
Marie Gaden
Patsy Graves
Terry James
Edna Johnson
Pauline Johnson
Letitia Kwateng
Jacqueline Sadler
Nwanganga Sheilds