NABA History

In December 1969, nine African-Americans met in New York City to discuss the unique challenges and limited opportunities they faced in the accounting profession. In that year, there were only 136 African-American Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) out of a total of 100,000 in the United States. This group wanted to establish an organization to address the concerns of minorities entering the accounting profession and to make a commitment to professional and academic excellence.

The Founding "NABA Nine"

The following nine individuals who met that month were determined to "make a difference" and let their voices be heard: 

  • Ronald Benjamin, 
  • Earl Biggett, 
  • Donald Bristow *, 
  • Bertram Gibson, 
  • Kenneth Drummond, 
  • Richard McName, 
  • Frank Ross, 
  • George Wallace, 
  • Michael Winston

The national and local programs offered are designed to support the overall goals and objectives of the Association. These programs provide support to, and create opportunities for, professionals and students seeking levels of accomplishment in the fields of accounting and finance. Today, through the efforts of NABA and other interested groups, there are now over 200,000 African-Americans participating in the field of accounting, of which over 5,000 are CPAs. As a leader in the business community, NABA continues to create opportunities for the purpose of enlarging the pipeline of African-Americans into every level of accounting and finance.

* deceased

Visit our NABA Eastern Region and National websites below to learn more