The organization was initially started back in 1975 by a group of African Americans, who were concerned citizens living in The City of Yonkers. Those concerned citizens were: Herman Keith, Mary Gaines, Harold McCoy, Clayton LeBouef, Nannie Dickerson, Clifford Cook and others. 

They were concerned about the lack of cultural recognition and education about the rich and vast culture of people from the African Diaspora, especially African-Americans.

At that time, they instituted the Annual Afro-American Heritage Parade & Festival in The City of Yonkers, which began from South Bdwy. and ended at Getty Square; the festival was held at Trevor Park on Warburton Ave.  Generally, the parade and festival was held for two days (Saturday and Sunday) in the month of August.

Later, the annual dates were changed from the month of August to July and NOW to the second week of June, which started in the year, 2015.

This date change was instituted mainly to include our local high schools marching bands into our Heritage Parade and because of the acknowledgement of 'JUNETEENTH', the Emancipation of our African American Ancestors.  The organization then changed its name to the 'Yonkers African American Heritage Committee' with a new logo and the expansion of its MISSION to include 'THE NGUZO SABA (Seven Principles').  Our core cultural public programs include: The Annual Juneteenth Parade & Festival, Annual Kwanzaa Celebration, Annual Scholarship Banquet, Educational Symposiums, Donation Drive and the Annual Black History Month Awards Luncheon.  

YAAHC also developed partnerships with various organizations.