The National organization was established in 1969 by nine African-American professionals who were concerned about the limited number of African-Americans participating in the field of accounting, and particularly the number of certified public accountants (CPA's). In 1969, it was estimated that 10,000 African-Americans were in the accounting profession, of which only 100 were CPA's.

In the early 1980's, nine African-American accountants from the Nashville area met and formed the Nashville Chapter of NABA. They were also concerned about the limited opportunities for African-Americans in the field of accounting. During that time, in Nashville, there was less than 75 African-American accountants working in the profession, the majority, of which, were employed at some level of local or state government. At that time, there were eight national accounting firms, commonly referred to as "The Big Eight," as well as a number of local and regional accounting firms. As the chapter developed and began to expand its member base, the members found a significantly low number of African-Americas working for the "Big Eight" firms and at the local or regional level.

Harvey Hoskins, CPA, served as the chapter's first president and one of its founding members. The chapter was very active after receiving its charter in 1981. Scholarship banquets were held in which scholarships were awarded to Tennessee State University and Fisk University students. The chapter also participated with the Internal Revenue Service in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. There was a period of inactivity when many of the chapter's founding members moved, retired or changed occupations; however, the chapter continued working with the VITA program. Near the end of the 1980's the Nashville chapter became more active, with Breneada Frame, CPA, serving as president.

Since the late 80's NABA's Nashville Chapter has been active and has seen the number of African American accountants grow to several hundred in the city. We now have members who are employed in government, corporate, nonprofit organizations and the national accounting firms. Harvey Hoskins, CPA, operates his own local firm where he employs a diverse workforce, including a number African-American accountants and CPA's.

NABA has proven to be a great professional network for its members, who routinely land career opportunities because of their NABA connection. Past President Breneada Frame is currently a controller in a division of a Fortune 500 corporation in Atlanta, GA. Founding member Dr. Deborah Cole serves as president of Citizens Bank, Nashville's only minority-owned financial institution.

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