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THE NATIONAL BOWLING ASSOCIATION, INC. Organized 1939 Incorporated 1941 Under Laws of Ohio Incorporated 1945 Under Laws of Illinois NATIONAL OFFICE 1806 Madison Avenue, Suite 407-08 Toledo, Ohio 43624 Phone (419) 242-3612 FORMER PRESIDENTS 1931-41 Winston Brown Cleveland, Ohio 1941-44 Jack Robinson Cleveland, Ohio 1944-45 Arthur Sewell Chicago, Illinois 1945-47 Poindexter A. Orr Chicago, Illinois 1947-49 Martin C. Kelley Cleveland, Ohio 1949-51 Sydney Celestine Chicago, Illinois 1951-52 Kenneth A. Morris Columbus, Ohio 1952-56 Reuben E. Pope, Jr. Cleveland, Ohio 1956-58 DeHart Hubbard Cleveland, Ohio 1958-60 Charles R. Wilson Chicago, Illinois 1960-63 Eric M. deFreitas New York, New York 1963-65 Joseph A. Thomas East Orange, New Jersey 1965-68 Virgil E. Brown Cleveland, Ohio 1968-70 Preston W. Thomas Somerset, New Jersey 1970- George E. Hambrick Chicago, Illinois NATIONAL BOWLING ASS'N May 18-25, 1975 Milwaukee, Wisc. [[image - black and white photograph of a book with the words "The Story of TNBA" imprinted on the cover.]] NATIONAL BOWLING ASS'N THE NBA STORY The National Bowling Association, Inc. is a non-profit corporation, organized August 20, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, for the express purpose of encouraging Negroes to develop their skills in the game of Ten Pins. It was originally known as the National Negro Bowling Association because at the time of its birth, Negroes and other Non-Caucasians were not permitted to belong to ABC or WIBC because of certain restrictive clauses in their constitutions. In 1944 it was renamed "The National Bowling Association, Inc." Later it participated actively for the fight for "Equality in Bowling," and in 1950 both ABC and WIBC removed the Non-Caucasian clauses from their constitutions. Starting in 1951 NBA members have enjoyed the privilege of competing in all open sanctioned tournaments. HISTORY, PROGRAM, AND OBJECTIVES PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES - The constitutional purpose is to foster and promote the game of Ten Pins among both men and women. Membership is open to all bowlers, without regard to race, creed or color. NBA promotes friendship, sportsmanship and fellowship among its members. It also serves as a recruiting agency and point-of-entry for Negro bowlers who otherwise would not receive the encouragement, tutelage and guidance needed to learn the game and develop the skills that are essential to full enjoyment and successful competition. Such encouragement and training prepares NBA bowlers to compete on equal terms in the tournaments and competitions which now are open to them. NBA has been and continues to be a major factor in the integration of Negroes into the "bowling world" and plays a part in the national movement toward implementation of American democracy, ideals and principles. The acquaintance that comes with contact and the respect which i engendered by superior skill helps break down unfavorable attitudes and racial barriers. HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS 1939 - First Annual Tournament held in Cleveland, Ohio 1941 - Incorporated under State laws of Ohio 1945 - Joe Blue Award for outstanding achievement - donated by Cleveland Postal Alliance in memory of the deceased "organizer." 1945 - Incorporated under Stare Laws of Illinois 32
