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History
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The National Bowling Association, Inc. is more than an organization. The National Bowling Association is a concept founded on the principles of sportsmanship, fellowship and friendship.
For all bowlers of color TNBA membership should be as automatic as ABC and WIBC membership. Not just because the National Bowling Association is one of the largest BLACK FOUNDED, OPERATED AND DIRECTED organizations in the country, but because it is a cornerstone in the foundation of bowling history that should never be forgotten or abandoned.
Every organization can trace its origin to the purpose for its creation - TNBA IS NO DIFFERENT.
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WHY TNBA? |
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When the American Bowling Congress was organized in 1895 and The Women’s International Bowling Congress in 1916, their constitutions included a clause excluding membership to any “Non-Caucasian” bowler.
In 1939, The "National Negro Bowling Association" was founded. From the start their membership included a large number of Asians, Hispanics and other people of color. In 1944 the organization was renamed “The National Bowling Association”.
The founders participated actively in the fight for "Equality in Bowling," and in 1950 both ABC and WIBC removed the Non-Caucasian clauses from their constitutions. Starting in 1951 TNBA members have enjoyed the privilege of competing in all open sanctioned tournaments.
Even after full membership status was available in the ABC/WIBC, TNBA continued its existence because the premise of its birth mandated its perpetuation. Over the years TNBA has continued its growth pattern and its growth paralleled the movement of Blacks from the rural areas of our country to the major metropolitan centers of the nation. Diversified programming geared to the needs of a given area became the keynote of TNBA's format as the organization's membership ranks swelled and its geographic scope widened.
TNBA, in it's 65+ years of existence, has over 23,000 members contained in over 100 local chapters throughout the country, plus Bermuda.
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PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES |
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Although approximately 80% of our present membership is Black, TNBA constitution has never contained any racial restrictions whatsoever on membership or participation. The constitutional purpose is to foster and promote the game of Ten Pins among both men and women without regard to race, creed or color.
TNBA promotes friendship, sportsmanship and fellowship among its members. TNBA also serves as a recruiting agency and point-of-entry for black 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 TNBA bowlers to compete on equal terms in the tournament and competitions that are now open to them.
TNBA has been, and continues to be, a major factor in the integration of blacks 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 that is engendered by superior skill helps break down unfavorable attitudes and racial barriers.
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