Afrikan History Week (AHW) is inspired by similar events in Afrikan communities internationally. The Afrikan-American historian and teacher Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950) contributed to establishing Black History Month in the beginning of the 20th century. Events that highlight
aspects of Afrikan history can now be found all over the world. Since 1995, the youth resource centre, Afrikan Youth In Norway (AYIN), has been a pioneering benefactor in Norway in regards
to raising awareness about Afrikan history and culture. With much help from AYIN and a series
of other sources, Norway established its first yearly Afrikan cultural festival in 2005; “Visibly-Invisible”.

More than 40.000 people of Afrikan descent live in Norway; nevertheless, the community is
hardly visible and very under represented in the public domain. Afrikans remain "invisible" in regards to representation and participation in public spheres. Simultaneously, there is great interest for expressionist forms that are originally rooted in Afrikan traditions. Afrikans - including important, Afrikan artists – have lived in Norway for many years, but, there is a perception that "Afrikans arrived here yesterday". The title "Visibly-Invisible" actually plays on duplicity, as, on one side Afrikans are clearly visible in the Norwegian society, whilst on the other side, they are made to be invisible.

Afrikan history remains unknown to most people. Available information is often considered
boring and uninteresting. AHW will us this as a point of departure and dwell into several trends that characterise urban culture and trace its Afrikan origin, characteristics and influence. By so doing, a natural connection will be fostered between tradition, modernity, research, commonality, intellectualism, expressive provocation, thoughtful reflection and soulful inspiration.