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 (CPA's) 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.

Since the founding of NABAs first chapter in 1970, membership has grown to more than 189 professional and student chapters across the country. NABAs membership includes diverse individuals and careers, such as: entry and mid-level accountants, auditors and financial professionals, senior level managers and executives, firm partners, entrepreneurs, as well as accounting, finance, and business students.