The African American AIDS Task Force (AAATF) was founded by African American community members who were concerned with the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on African American people living in Minnesota. Their goals were to increase the availability of culturally specific service providers to address the needs of African American people who were living with or at risk of HIV/AIDS, and to empower communities to help themselves. The African American AIDS Task Force was formally incorporated in 1995 as a 501c(3) organization.

AAATF funding resources focus solely on HIV/AIDS related services and activities. The agency’s board, leadership, staff, and volunteers are largely representative of the populations served and are highly qualified to deliver all services the agency provides. In addition, the agency partners with community volunteers and consumers (people living with HIV) to deliver services. This approach has served as an effective means to establish credibility among the target population, gain access to communities and empower those in need.