HASAN was co-founded in 2018 by Justin Fornal and Dr. Kelly Fanto Deetz while collaborating with National Geographic on a documentary about Nat Turner. During production, they successfully located and facilitated the repatriation of the presumed skull of Nat Turner to his descendants.

Inspired by this work, Fornal and Deetz established HASAN to partner with communities and local stakeholders on culturally sensitive projects that advance restorative justice. The organization is also dedicated to documenting and preserving endangered cultural traditions, particularly in regions whose heritage has been threatened by conflict, displacement, and social upheaval.