August 23, 1900 The National Negro Business League was founded in Boston, Massachusetts with Booker T. Washington as its first president.

Its membership included the elite of black business leaders as well as a large number of the upwardly aspiring black middle class. In 1966, the organization was renamed the National Business League and reincorporated in Washington, D.C. A major goal of the league has been to include the minority business sector in the national economic priorities.

Over the past 100 years, membership has grown throughout the United States and includes a vibrant network of National Student Business Leagues. The league continues to promote economic enterprise and financial literacy for African Americans throughout the United States and international trade with Africa and the African diaspora.