The African Heritage Institute (AHI) is a nonprofit organization (501(c)3), incorporated in the State of Michigan.

Its purposes are to:

• Expose children and youth of African descent in the diaspora, and those of other backgrounds to authentic African history, culture and traditions through African heritage programs and projects
• Connect Africans of all ages to the legacy of their history and culture

A great number of children and youth of African descent are disconnected from the legacy of their history, culture, and traditions – starved of the knowledge of the history of their ancestral past.

We leave our children without a cultural compass, without a legacy to hand on to their own children. Uprooted! They bestride two cultures, owning none. Marcus Garvey so wisely stated that  “a people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots”.

Mission

The mission of The African Heritage Institute is to promote pride in the rich cultural heritage of people of African descent through knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of Africa’s place in world history. Knowledge, awareness, and appreciation of one’s cultural heritage build character and healthy self-esteem.

The AHI will be a place where cultural awareness is promoted. By providing the children and youth of African descent with opportunities and an environment to learn about their cultural heritage and traditions, individual and collective pride will be sown and maintained.