In 1993, determined Africans set up the organisation, now known as Africa Centre Scotland (ACS). However, it was only in 1997 the organisation drafted its constitution ratifying it in 1998.
Despite the fact, Africans have been living in Scotland well before the 1990's, many Africans and Caribbean's were facing, exclusion, marginalisation, and discrimination on many grounds. Therefore, the foundation of ACS was to challenge the discrimination and marginalisation of people of African heritage. The centre was also to create awareness of the different problems faced by people of African heritage while promoting and maintaining positive image of Africans working towards dealing with prejudice and importantly to contribute and integrate effectively into Scottish community.
The centre has been a focal point of contact for people of African heritage providing varied services to all its members.
These services range from
- Organising social and cultural events
- Regular newsletters
- Advice and information on health care and employment opportunities
- Advice for new arrivals as well as settled community in addition to providing a venue for meetings and different social or formal activities for various affiliated African community organisations.
Some of the organisation who enjoyed these opportunity are listed below.
- Dignity Alert Research Forum
- Africa Scottish Development Organisation
- Tanzania Edinburgh Community Association
- Scotland Zambia Association
These are just some examples. Also, groups with similar interest to those of the Centre, such as
- Global Concerns