The society started as a steering committee in 1999 at Vancouver Island University. The group discussed and celebrated the achievements of Afro-Centric people in British Columbia.
In 2003, the society began as the Black History Society but there were arguments about how to promote it effectively.
On March 19, 2005, a motion was passed to change the name to Nanaimo African Heritage Society.
The society became officially incorporated under the Society Act on August 9, 2005.