Chapter History

The Houston Chapter started in 1970 as the Houston Metropolitan Accountants (HMA). The initial meeting of HMA was held in the basement of Texas Southern University, under the leadership of Chad Brown, the first chapter president and one of the five black CPAs of the time. The group was drawn together by a mutual desire to enhance the professional status of blacks in accounting. The concerns of these “pioneers” were:
  • The increasing number of accounting graduates, who were assuming clerical positions
  • The small number of blacks in public accounting
  • The small number of blacks sitting for the CPA examination

Through the efforts of Vera Jackson, HMA was introduced to the National Association of Black Accountants. Houston was proud to have Johnny Brown to be the first person to represent the chapter at the national convention in 1971. Johnny later became the first National Vice President of the Southern Region.

Dedicated to the purpose for which NABA stands, the Houston Chapter had undertaken a broad range of projects, some of which include:

  • Publication of articles on accounting related subjects
  • Free income tax assistance to low income taxpayers
  • Establishment of a speakers’ bureau
  • Accounting resources to support the UNCF telethon and walk-a-thon
  • Assistance with administering the Uniform CPA Examination
  • An “Income Tax Tips” program for local radio broadcasting
  • Administering the annual Toys-for-Tots program for disadvantaged children
  • Participation in high school career day programs
  • Sponsoring an Annual Awards Dinner to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the Houston community and to the accounting profession
  • Establishment and administration of a scholarship fund for high school and college-level accounting and business students
  • Formation of student chapters at Texas Southern University, University of Houston, Prairie View A&M University, Texas A&M University, Lamar and Sam Houston State University.

The Houston Chapter has hosted a number of National Conventions and Western Region Student Conferences.