The AAPA is known as the first Aboriginal activist group in Australia, with its membership roster peaking at over 600 members, with 13 branches and 4 sub-branches in NSW.

The aims of the AAPA were to stop the removal of Aboriginal children from their homes, to gain equality between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal society, to preserve Indigenous cultural identity and citizenship, and to ensure Indigenous Australians were equipped to reach economic independence through reattaining land ownership.

Founded in 1924 by Fred Maynard and publicly announced the following year,[1][2] the aim of the association was to defend the rights of Aboriginal people.

[3] This included stopping the removal of Aboriginal children from their homes, gaining equality with non-Aboriginal society, preserving Indigenous cultural identity, gaining Australian citizenship, and ensuring that Indigenous Australians were equipped to reach economic independence through reattaining land ownership.

[4][5] Maynard had been involved in another organisation, the Coloured Progressive Association, a decade earlier, and he and co-leader Tom Lacey were inspired by the ideas of Jamaican activist Marcus Garvey.

[1][2] The organisation was based in Surry Hills, Sydney, but eventually expanded to 11 branches across New South Wales, and over 500 active members.

[8] Once the children were removed they would be forced into Caucasian society which banned them from speaking their Indigenous language or partake in any practices from their traditional culture.

[8] The first conference was held in April 1925 in St David's church hall, Riley Street, Surry Hills, with over 200 Aboriginal people in attendance.

Eugene Miranda, President of Kempsey branch of the AAPA, introduced the conference, expressing his passion towards the association and political, spiritual and social connections he had to the group.

This branch recognised its economic stability and decided it would help fund the AAPA through holding cricket matches for young men.

We the representatives of the original people, in conference assembled, demand that we shall be accorded the same full right and privileges of citizenship as are enjoyed by all other sections of the community.

[11] - Fred MaynardThe organisation was inspired by the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) and their leader, Marcus Garvey, in how they approached gaining government attention.

Maynard's presence in newspapers is what led to the APB's decision to remove his rights to visit and speak on Aboriginal reserves.

[5][3] The organisation led protests and street rallies in an attempt to change Australia's political system to achieve the rights of Indigenous Australians.

[3][8] The association is not heard about much today; however, Australia's later Aboriginal political movements have been greatly influenced by the foundation built by Maynard and the AAPA.

[8] Members Joe Anderson and his brothers lost their land in 1924 in the Burragorang valley, forcing the family to relocate to Sydney and leave their homeland.

[8] Elizabeth McKenzie-Hatton was a non-Indigenous woman from Victoria (and therefore not eligible for membership of AAPA), who supported their causes and among other activities, was involved in lobbying politicians by a campaign of writing letters to them.

She supported the cause by funding a home for young Aboriginal girls who were escaping violence from their place of work, which were under the control of the AAPA.