The National Business League®

Founded by Dr. Booker T. Washington – August 23, 1900

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About The League​

The National Business League

The National Business League (NBL), originally known as the National Negro Business League (NNBL), was founded in Boston in 1900 by Dr. Booker T. Washington. With a mission to support and uplift Black businesses, the NNBL became a pivotal organization, advocating for Black economic self-sufficiency and empowerment. Today, the League remains a powerful force in supporting Black entrepreneurs and professionals, continuing Washington’s legacy of economic equity.

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Our Origins:

Promoting Economic Development and Equality

The NNBL was established to advance “the commercial and financial development of the Negro” and was comprised of successful Black men and women in various industries across the United States. By 1905, it had grown to 320 chapters and, by 1915, over 600 chapters in 34 states. This rapid growth underscored the demand for a nationwide network supporting Black economic progress, allowing Black communities to build sustainable wealth and professional independence.
 
In 1966, the organization was renamed and reincorporated in Washington, D.C., as the National Business League, reflecting an expanded mission to serve Black business on a larger scale. Today, NBL continues to champion Black economic empowerment, advocating for over 3.6 million Black businesses that generate $128 billion in the global economy.
A Visionary Start:

The NNBL’s Founding and Expansion

Supported by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, Booker T. Washington formally established the League in 1901, incorporating it in New York and organizing local chapters nationwide. The League attracted Black small-business owners, doctors, farmers, skilled craftsmen, and other professionals, placing economic advancement as the primary tool for achieving equality. Although focused on business, civil rights issues were integral to the League’s mission, often guiding members in local initiatives.
 
Notable milestones include the Nashville chapter’s 1905 boycott against segregation in public transit, a demonstration of Washington’s belief in building an economic network as a catalyst for social change. By the early 20th century, the League’s influence was seen in national advertising efforts, with press releases highlighting NNBL’s work to promote Black-owned businesses, encourage advertising in Black publications, and engage national advertisers.

Leaders and Innovators Who Shaped the NNBL

Robert R. Church Sr.

Founder of Solvent Savings Bank

The NNBL inspired members across the country, including Robert R. Church Sr., who founded the Solvent Savings Bank in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1906. In 1907, prominent Black leaders formed the League’s Executive Committee, a group that included Dr. S. E. Courtney of Boston, W. L. Taylor of Richmond, and T. Thomas Fortune of New York City.

In 1913, Ralph Waldo Tyler, a respected Black journalist, was elected as the League’s first National Organizer. His role involved traveling across the South, documenting Black businesses, and recruiting new League members, further solidifying the NNBL as a powerful economic force.

After Washington’s death in 1915, his successor, Robert Russa Moton, continued leading the League alongside prominent figures like Albon L. Holsey, John L. Webb, and Charles Clinton Spaulding, a key figure in the Black insurance industry.

Ralph Waldo Tyler

Black journalist and the League’s first National Organizer

Expanding Influence Through Professional Affiliations

The NNBL was instrumental in forming and affiliating with other Black professional organizations, broadening its reach and influence in the business world. These affiliates included:
  • National Negro Bankers Association
  • National Negro Press Association
  • National Association of Negro Funeral Directors
  • National Negro Bar Association
  • National Association of Negro Insurance Men
  • National Negro Retail Merchants’ Association
  • National Association of Negro Real Estate Dealers
  • National Negro Finance Corporation

In 1906, the National Negro Bankers Association was formed at the League’s annual meeting by William R. Pettiford of Birmingham, further strengthening the League’s network and influence in financial circles.

A Lasting Legacy and Future of Empowerment

As the National Business League approaches its 125th anniversary, it remains steadfast in its mission to foster economic empowerment for Black communities. With an international presence and partnerships with Fortune 500 companies, the NBL is dedicated to expanding opportunities for Black-owned businesses in South America, the Caribbean, and beyond. Through continuous initiatives and strategic partnerships, the NBL upholds its founding mission, ensuring Black businesses have the support they need to thrive and lead.
 
Join us in celebrating the legacy of Dr. Booker T. Washington and the League he founded. Together, we are building a brighter future for Black businesses, grounded in a century of resilience, innovation, and vision.

Presidential Timeline: Leaders of the National Business League

1900-1915
Founder
Dr. Booker T. Washington

Founder and 1st President, visionary leader, and founder of Tuskegee Institute.

1915-1921
2nd President
James Carroll Napier

Businessman, lawyer, and civil rights leader from Nashville, Tennessee, who built on Washington’s vision of economic self-sufficiency.

1921-1930
3rd President
Dr. Robert Russa Moton

Second President of Tuskegee Institute, who furthered the League's goals of business and civic empowerment

1930-1938
4th President
Charles Clinton Spaulding

Business leader who grew North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company into the largest Black-owned business in the nation.

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1938-1944
5th President
Dr. Joseph Edison Walker

Co-founder and first president of Universal Life Insurance Company, Memphis, championing economic resilience

1944-1946
6th President
Roscoe Dunjee

Civil rights activist, journalist, and editor in Oklahoma City, advancing social justice and economic rights

1946-1948
7th President
Dr. Arthur George Gaston

Entrepreneur who established influential businesses in Birmingham, Alabama, advocating for Black economic independence.

1948-1956
8th President
Horace Sudduth

Founder and 1st President, visionary leader, and founder of Tuskegee Institute.

Honoring a Legacy of Leadership and Vision

From its founding days under Booker T. Washington to its current leadership, the NBL has continuously evolved, championing Black businesses and building a robust foundation for economic equity. As the League grows and expands its reach, each president has played an essential role in empowering Black communities and creating new opportunities for future generations.
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The national business league

Welcome to the National Business League (NBL) – the first and largest, independent, not-for-profit trade association for Black-owned businesses and professionals in the United States of America.

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  • 104 S. Elm Street, Suite 1900 Tuskegee, Alabama 36083
  • contact@nationalbusinessleague.org
  • (336) 313-6762

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