The National Bar Association (NBA) is the oldest and largest national network of predominantly African American attorneys and judges. It was founded in 1925 in Des Moines, Iowa, as an alternative to the American Bar Association (ABA), which at the time did not admit Black members.

The NBA played a significant role in advancing civil rights and promoting justice for African Americans during the Jim Crow era and beyond. Its members have been at the forefront of many landmark legal battles, including the Brown v. Board of Education case that led to the desegregation of schools in the United States.

Over the years, the NBA has continued its commitment to advocating for social justice, equality, and diversity in the legal profession. The organization provides support and resources for Black lawyers, promotes professional development, and works to ensure equal access to justice for all.

Through its advocacy efforts, legal scholarships, and community outreach programs, the National Bar Association has made a lasting impact on Black history and the legal profession in the United States.