THE TNBA STORY
The National Bowling Association, Inc. is a non-profit corporation,
organized in August 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 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.
Although approximately 80% of its present membership is Black, TNBA has
NO RACIAL RESTRICTIONS WHATSOEVER AS TO MEMBERSHIP, TNBA's slogan is
"Promoter of Sportsmanship, Fellowship and Friendship" - Ideals which
are accomplished through organized competition.
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.
TNBA promotes friendship, sportsmanship and fellowship among its members.
It 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.
THIS IS TNBA -
The National Bowling Association is more than an organization. The
National Bowling Association is a concept founded on the principles of
sportsmanship, fellowship and friendship. For the Black bowler especially, TNBA
membership should be as automatic as ABC and WIBC membership is to all bowlers
mainly because the National Bowling Association is one of the largest BLACK
FOUNDED, BLACK OPERATED AND BLACK DIRECTED organizations in the country. The
National Bowling Association was instrumental in opening the doors of open
competition in the ten-pin sport throughout our country for Black Bowlers.
Every organization can trace its origin and the purpose for its creation
- TNBA IS NO DIFFERENT. Founded in 1939, of necessity, because Black Bowlers
were denied membership in the American Bowling Congress, TNBA provided an avenue
for participation in the game of bowling for its membership. Even after full
membership status was available in the ABC, 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 60+ years of existence, has over 30,000
members contained in over 100 local chapters throughout the country, plus
Bermuda.
The motivation, especially for the Black Bowler, to join the National
Bowling Association is simple and direct...
THE CONTINUANCE AND PERPETUATION OF A SYMBOL OF ACHIEVEMENT AND
DEDICATION...
TNBA membership is a small price to pay when we consider the heritage
aspect of TNBA tradition and consider that our status today is the result of
foresight and dedication on the part of our founding fathers. Today, TNBA is a
successful operation that has weathered the growing pains that plague most
organizations and is in a position to become one of the most viable Black
organizations in the world. Consider that TNBA's concept is direct and
objective, TNBA pays its way - as does its membership. TNBA only wants what TNBA
is entitled to, in terms of today's social and economic climate. From its
inception the National Bowling Association has served as a coordinating body
dedicated to the principles of SPORTSMANSHIP, FELLOWSHIP and FRIENDSHIP through
participation in a program of local and national significance. In order to
effect an even more direct impact TNBA must become more involved in the
mainstream of American society. The accomplishment of this goal requires
extensive programming and increased membership. TNBA is the program...You are
the members. As TNBA membership increases TNBA programming will reflect growth
in proportion to the increase.
To those who are NOT ABOARD, WE SAY, STAND UP AND BE COUNTED. Become one
who reacts through involvement in the shaping, forming and extension of a
program geared to the needs of every Black Bowler in the country.
THIS IS TNBA - TODAY
MEMBERSHIP -
TNBA membership means unity and strength through organization and the sense
of belonging to a dedicated, purposed and progressive group. The National
Bowling Association, Inc., presently in its 63rd year, has over 23,000 members
contained in over one hundred local senates (chapters) throughout the United
States including Bermuda. It is not necessary to be a bowler to belong to TNBA.
ADULT PROGRAMS -
The National Bowling Association, Inc. adult programs consist of:
League Bowling Competition
High Score Achievement Awards
Four (4) Regional Tournaments
National Championship Tournaments
Five (5) Classic Tournaments
Rhodman Classic Roll-off
National Honor (Individual) Awards
Hall Of Fame
Celebrity Bowl Tournament
King and Queen Contest
Sponsor Appreciation Awards
Local Achievement Honor Awards
Charity and Fund Raising Programs
Intra-Senate (Chapter) Bowling Competition
JUNIOR BOWLING PROGRAMS -
League Bowling Competition
High Score Achievement Awards
Four (4) Regional Tournaments
National Junior Championship Tournament
Honor Awards
Scholarship Awards
The present membership of TNBA's Junior Bowling Program is 8,000
youngsters between the ages of six (6) and twenty-two (22) years, representing
one hundred-plus senates and affiliates.
HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS:
1939 - First Annual Tournament held in Cleveland, Ohio
1941 - Incorporated under state laws of Ohio
1944 - Name changed to National Bowling Association, Inc.
1945 - Joe Blue Award for Outstanding Achievement - deemed by Cleveland
Alliance in memory of the deceased "organizer"
1950 - Racial restrictions removed from constitutions of American Bowling
Congress and Women's International Bowling Congress
1978 - J. Elmer Reed, Cleveland, Ohio, first black to he inducted into
American Bowling Congress Hall of Fame
1980 - Mr. Aubrey Harrison bowled the first 300 game in TNBA in Los
Angeles. Joan I. McDuffie of Chicago, Illinois was elected the first
female President of TNBA.
2000 - Cornell M. Jackson of Lanham, Maryland and Alesia A. Bryant of St.
Louis, Missouri, first two females elected President and Vice President,
respectively, along with Margaret S. Lee of Brooklyn, New York as Executive
Secretary-Treasurer became the first all female Executive Cabinet of TNBA.
Membership in the National Bowling Association gives the bowler a sense
of belonging to a dedicated, purposeful and progressive group and of helping to
achieve unity, strength and solidarity through organization.
Why not add your name to our membership rolls to help us grow bigger,
stronger and even more effective in promoting opportunity for and protecting the
interests of our bowlers?
YOU NEED TNBA and TNBA NEEDS YOU
THE NATIONAL BOWLING ASSOCIATION, INC.
Promoter of Sportsmanship * Fellowship * Friendship