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1947-Initial cooperation with CIO Commmittee for Fair Play in Bowling.

1950-Racial restrictions removed from constitutions of American Bowling Congress and Women's International Bowling Congress.

1951-Membership in ABC or WIBC made prerequisite for membership in NBA. Agreement with ABC and WIBC that NBA should continue operation as presently constituted.

We first became aware of Negroes bowling in 1930, having no information of regular participation prior to that date. However, we are fortunate to possess a continuous record of progress since 1930.

At that time America regarded bowling as a sport for the White race, although a few Negroes worked as pin boys and porters. Some bowling establishments permitted their employees to bowl before and after regular business hours. These employees, a number of YMCA's, Churches, and Community Centers, a few cities where we could use some discarded lanes-this constituted the nations facilities and Negro bowling public.

The attitude toward the Negro in bowling was indicative of our country's social and economic thinking during this period. Negroes just did not participate in sports activities that had to be housed and operated on a commercial basis. One bowling organization even stated in its constitution that membership was limited to "the white male sex." In fact all bowling organizations and proprietors maintained the same restriction on membership and participation.

From 1930 to 1934 Negroes in the various cities made attempts to form leagues and were successful in Cleveland, Chicago, Cincinnati, Detroit and Toledo. From these small groups bowling began to spread through the efforts and desires of men who wanted to participate, as any other American citizen, in a game they liked and enjoyed. They proceded to do something about improving the facilities that were available to them and their fellow bowlers.

In these early years, up to 1938, most cities bowled under the following conditions: Cleveland on 2 lanes, increased to 6 lanes in 1936; Cincinnati on 3 lanes at the YMCA; Chicago had 4 lanes at St. Christopher Church and 4 lanes on Rhodes Ave; Toledo used 2 lanes at Frederick Douglass Community Center; Detroit bowled on 4 lanes on Chene Avenue in a basement; Indianapolis bowled at midnight after the lanes closed.

HUMANITIES-NBA makes substantial contributions yearly to the United Negro College Fund and the New March of Dimes through planned fund raising activities during the National Championship tournament and through similar activities by local leagues and senates. Among popular and productive fund raising events are Benefit Match Games and exhibitions by Top Stars with national recognition.

PUBLICATIONS-Each member is entitled to receive copies of "The NBA Bowler," the official news organ which is published four times yearly and carries news and photos about the feats of members both on and off the lanes and about the progress of our leagues and senates. The beautiful Souvenir Program-Year Book is filled with photos, achievements, noteworthy scores and happenings; and advertising of sponsors and supporting businesses. It is made available to members at 50c a copy and to non-members at 75c per copy at the time of the Championship Tournament. It is treasured as a keepsake and record of the outgoing season.

HIGH SCORE AWARDS-All members who participate in regularly sanctioned leagues are eligible to compete for NBA High Score Awards which are presented yearly at the Awards Banquet of the Annual Convention. Members are also eligible for the many special awards for unusual accomplishments including watches and rings for "300" games.

McKINLEY LAWRENCE STEVENS MEMORIAL AWARD (Presented and approved at the 1971 Convention).

The Memorial Plaque will be donated by the Chicago Bowling Senate. The National Association will provide a replica of the Plaque each year and bear engraving expense. The senate winning the Plaque will keep it in its possession for the ensuing year, and will return it at the next convention. Only registered senate members prior to the start of the National Tournament will be counted. The man-miles will be competed thusly: number of participants times the transcontinental mile chart between the prime city senate location and the tournament site. The Plaque will be presented to the winner at the Awards Banquet by Mrs. McKinley Lawrence Stevens (first time). KING AND QUEEN CONTEST-This is the "Glamour Show"! Any bowler may participate in the Annual King and Queen Contest. The winners are crowned at the Coronation Ball in the city where the Annual Tournament is held; and in addition to receiving many fabulous prizes and cash awards, they also reign over all NBA program activity during the ensuing season.

[[image - black and white photograph of Dave Davis being handed check and trophy by Thomas Shropshire.]]
[[caption]] DAVIS WINS MILLER OPEN – Dave Davis, Atlanta, Ga., received a trophy and a check for $10,000 after winning the $80,000 Miller High Life Open Bowling Tournament in Milwaukee. Making the presentation was Thomas B. Shropshire, Vice President, Market Planning, Miller Brewing Company.[[/caption]]

NBA-BRUNSWICK SINGLES CLASSIC-This Individual Match Game Elimination Classic was designed for the high average bowler, and is open to any member with exception of pro's. It is held during the month of February each year. The Brunswick Corporation contributes thousands of dollars annually to the prize fund which augments the amounts from entry fees. In the 11 years of the Classic's operation approximately $75,000 has been paid in prizes. The Classic is one of the highlights of the NBA year.

DISCOVERY AND RECOGNITION-Many top-flight Negro bowlers have been discovered and developed as a result of their participation in NBA's program. Public and national honors, personal appearances, and recognition are bestowed as a result of the organization's efforts. NBA publicizes the feats and accomplishments of its bowlers, both locally and nationally. Participation in NBA activities focused attention on the unusual abilities of the six members who have been appointed to the Professional Staffs of Brunswick, AMF, and BPAA. Likewise, practically every Negro Member of the Professional Bowlers Association has been developed under the shield of the National Bowling Association. We proudly boast of the 6 members of NBA who are members of the Professional Bowling Staff; namely J. Wilbert Sims of Chicago, Illinois and Sadie Dixon of Philadelphia, Pa., who are members of Brunswick Advisory Staff; Eric M. deFreitas, New York, N.Y., Rosemary Morrow, Chicago, Illinois and Don Scott of Cleveland, Ohio who are members of AMF Staff of Champions; Louise Fulton, Pittsburgh, Pa., member of BPAA; and Carol Strickland (now deceased) Long Island, New York, a former member of M. Blatt Company Staff. True, these are only a few, but remember, we have not been "at the game" long!

CIVIL RIGHTS PROTECTION-NBA deplores and combats any known cases of segregation or discrimination against its members. NBA insists on "Equality in Bowling" and our success in numbers of cases attests that-"There is strength in organization!" The Association has purchased a Life Membership in the NAACP to further strengthen its protection of the rights and welfare of its members.

NATIONAL HONOR AWARDS-Each bowler is eligible to compete for the Joe Blue (for men) and the Mary L. Wilkes (for women) awards for outstanding and faithful service through the years. Other than Life Memberships, which are restricted to those who have served as national officers, these are the highest "NBA Honor Awards" that any bowler can attain. They are voted and awarded annually at the National Convention.