A Story of Perseverance and Unity
In the late 1960s, the accounting profession in the United States was overwhelmingly white and male. African Americans faced significant barriers to entry, including racial discrimination, limited access to education, and a lack of mentorship and networking opportunities. Despite these challenges, a group of nine visionary Black accountants came together to create an organization that would address these inequities and support Black professionals in the field.
On December 18, 1969, in New York City, these nine individuals founded the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA). Their mission was clear: to represent and expand the influence of Black accounting professionals, provide mentorship and resources, and advocate for greater diversity and inclusion in the profession.
NABA’s founding was a bold act of defiance against the status quo and a testament to the power of unity and determination. Over the decades, NABA has grown into a powerful organization with thousands of members, providing scholarships, career development programs, and a strong network of support for Black accountants across the country.
Profiles of the Founding Members
1. Ronald Benjamin
The Visionary Leader
Ronald Benjamin was one of the driving forces behind NABA’s founding. As a young accountant, he recognized the isolation and challenges faced by Black professionals in the field. Benjamin envisioned an organization that would provide a sense of community and support for Black accountants.
His leadership and determination were instrumental in bringing the founding members together and establishing NABA’s mission. Benjamin’s commitment to mentorship and advocacy set the tone for the organization’s future growth.
Earl Biggett
The Advocate for Change
Earl Biggett was a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the accounting profession. He understood the importance of creating opportunities for Black accountants to thrive and worked tirelessly to build NABA’s foundation.
Biggett’s dedication to professional development and his belief in the power of collective action inspired many to join the organization and contribute to its mission.
Bertram Gibson
The Bridge Builder
Bertram Gibson was known for his ability to bring people together. As one of NABA’s founding members, he played a key role in fostering collaboration among Black accountants and creating a sense of unity within the profession.
Gibson’s work in building relationships and partnerships helped NABA gain traction and establish itself as a leading organization for Black professionals.
Frank Ross
The Trailblazer
Frank Ross was a trailblazer in the accounting profession and a strong advocate for NABA’s mission. He understood the importance of representation and worked to ensure that Black accountants had a voice in the industry.
Ross’s leadership and commitment to excellence inspired many to pursue careers in accounting and join NABA’s efforts to create a more inclusive profession.
Richard McNamee
The Strategist
Richard McNamee was a strategic thinker who played a crucial role in shaping NABA’s early initiatives. He understood the importance of creating programs and resources that would support Black accountants at every stage of their careers.
McNamee’s vision and planning helped NABA establish a strong foundation and grow into the influential organization it is today.
Michael Winston
The Mentor
Michael Winston was deeply committed to mentorship and believed in the power of lifting others as you climb. As a founding member of NABA, he worked to create opportunities for young Black accountants to learn, grow, and succeed.
Winston’s dedication to mentorship and his belief in the potential of Black professionals left a lasting impact on NABA and its members.
Donald Bristow
The Advocate for Education
Donald Bristow recognized the importance of education in breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for Black accountants. He worked to establish scholarship programs and partnerships with educational institutions to support aspiring accountants.
Bristow’s efforts to promote education and professional development helped NABA become a leader in supporting the next generation of Black accountants.
Kenneth Drummond
The Community Builder
Kenneth Drummond was a community builder who understood the importance of creating a sense of belonging for Black accountants. He worked to establish local chapters of NABA and build a strong network of support for members across the country.
Drummond’s dedication to community building helped NABA grow into a national organization with a powerful presence in the accounting profession.
George Wallace
The Voice of Advocacy
George Wallace was a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the accounting profession. He understood the importance of addressing systemic barriers and worked to create opportunities for Black accountants to succeed.
Wallace’s advocacy and commitment to equity helped NABA establish itself as a leading voice for Black professionals in the field.
The Legacy of NABA
The founding of NABA in 1969 was a historic moment that transformed the accounting profession. The organization’s founding members—Ronald Benjamin, Earl Biggett, Bertram Gibson, Frank Ross, Richard McNamee, Michael Winston, Donald Bristow, Kenneth Drummond, and George Wallace—demonstrated extraordinary perseverance, professionalism, and tenacity in the face of adversity.
Today, NABA continues to uphold its mission of empowering Black accountants and promoting diversity and inclusion in the profession. Through scholarships, mentorship programs, and advocacy, NABA has created opportunities for thousands of Black professionals to thrive and succeed.
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