The National Bar Association (NBA) is the oldest and largest association of African American lawyers and judges in the United States. It was founded in 1925 in Des Moines, Iowa, by a group of African American lawyers who were excluded from the predominantly white American Bar Association (ABA) due to racial discrimination.

The NBA was established to promote equality and justice for African Americans in the legal profession and the judicial system. Over the years, the organization has been at the forefront of advocating for civil rights, social justice, and diversity in the legal field. The NBA has played a crucial role in fighting against racial discrimination and promoting equal access to justice for all.

The NBA has also been instrumental in providing support and resources for African American lawyers and law students, including networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and continuing legal education. The organization has worked to increase the representation of African Americans in the legal profession and to address issues of racial bias within the legal system.

Today, the National Bar Association continues to be a leading voice for African American legal professionals and a prominent advocate for social justice and civil rights in the United States.