Pictured Are: TNBA Members At An Event in Houston, TX. Photo Courtesy Of The Houston, TX. TNBA.
By Michael 'Chip' Begg - Managing Editor the tenpinexpress.com - Director Mesa Metro Association.
Cleveland, OH. - - - Once upon a time and not so very long ago. It was 81 ago years to be politically correct when five influential businessmen from Cleveland, Ohio were probably sitting around a coffee table one day. These business persons were engaged in a strategy and idea for promoting the game of bowling in their ethnic culture. Since they were already experiencing the benefits of this game, their goal was to spread the wealth.They wanted to share the "Friendship, Fellowship: and Sportsmanship" that the game seem to create within its participants.
Eighty-One years later in 2020, these five businesspersons would be happy to know, that their idea still bares fruit with their birth child (The National Bowling Association-TNBA). This organization, which emerged, still flourish with their ethnic culture and others as well. It is continuing to thrive, largely due to the vision they had for the organization they were trying to create. Eight generations of members since August 20,1939 have continued to grow the vision that these five individuals had through the love for bowling.
"This organization was formed out of necessity by African Americans because of the social climate in America at that time," said TNBA Historian Wayde Broughton. "The aforementioned social climate impacted African American activities throughout.The governing Bowling bodies had restrictive clauses in their constitutions. These clauses, and the practice of Caucasians' only in most bowling establishments and venues help to prevent and restrict participation of non caucasions."
The founders of the TNBA on August 20, 1939, also included two women as well. One was Viola Crosswhite, who was the organizer of the Ladies Progressive League and the other was June Watts of Detroit Mich. The founders from Cleveland OH. Included Wynston Brown; The First President of the TNBA, J. Elmer Reed; The First African American Proprietor (in Bowling); Jack Robinson First Tournament Director. In addition, Joseph Blue, an award is dedicated his name is presented to an outstanding TNBA member.
" TNBA was formed on August 20, 1939 in Detroit, MI., at the Frogs Club. The 22 attendees at this famous meeting represented five cities: Cleveland; Cincinnati; Chicago; Detroit and Toledo. Its original name was the NNBA (Negro National Bowling Association). However, this name did not restrict members from other ethnic groups to join and participate in its events," the historian said of its beginning. "The name was changed to TNBA in 1945. Its original mission was to create national organized bowling for African Americans. In addition, TNBA was at the forefront of the fight for equality within the game of bowling. The ABC, WIBC, and BPA were all aligned in preventing Black and other Ethnic groups from their facilities and venues. Therefore, a primary mission was to help remove these racial restrictions against African American Bowlers" and other non Caucasians.
Three other major factors have helped the TNBA succeed over the last 81 years. One is the intelligence and organizational skills of its founders. Two, in the 1940's President Roosevelt gave his blessing for bowling to be a good source of competition within the military. In addition, three, TNBA of today, has been successful in attracting capable people to help maintain its existence.
"When comparing the social climate of today, with that of the 1930's through the 1950's, the founders might say 'good job'. However, the current dynamics and challenges have been or have changed. TNBA has before it now the challenge of attracting younger members, and the contemporary business model requires unique and diversified actions " said Wayde, in reference to the challenges today's TNBA faces. The current approach to organization management actions success are diversified. The structure of the TNBA will allow it to meet these complex issues in a well-ordered fashion."
It is because of its well-ordered fashion and vision for the future that has helped the TNBA to continue to grow throughout the United States. TNBA is divided into four regions: Central, Eastern, Western, and Southern. Travel distance is certainly a factor in sight selection (Tucson hosted a Western Regional in the fall of 2019). The all-events tournament sights are voted on from Regional Senates officers. Each region has its Senates Committee, which is composed of Senate Presidents.
"The structure of the TNBA allows it to meet these complex issues in a well-ordered fashion. The influential members of the National Cabinet are (President, Vice-President, Secretary Treasurer, and Tournament Director). As well as the Senate officers (132 affiliate Senates)," WB said, of the TNBAs' directors. (Phoenix) is one of the affiliated Senates. "The Senate is a microsm of the larger organization. Its membership are within a defined geographical area and must have a minimum of 40 members."
One of the many goals that TNBA has achieved, was that of reaching deep into the disenfranchised segment of our society. And to bring an opportunity to many who may not have gotten into the game of bowling. One of the keys of this application has again been the,”Friendship, Fellowship, and Sportsmanship" that the game provides to us. When a TNBA event occurs, the bowling is supplemented with various other social activities.
"The continued growth of the TNBA is without a doubt, dependent upon how it will be able to attract young and diverse bowlers," WB said, of the hope for the future of the TNBA. "It is also dependent upon its ability to embrace other kind of dynamics. TNBA is currently composed of 25,000 plus members, which make up the 132 Senates, and some individual groups. The goal and objective are to grow to greater numbers."
TNBA does not compete with the USBC directly, but the USBC is of course, the governing body of bowling. In addition, TNBA tournaments are sanctioned by the USBC. The general membership cost to join the TNBA is $22.00 annually. Depending on what part of the country you live in, USBC memberships run between $20 and $25 annually.
"The major difference now is where TNBA continues the 300 game award annually, while the USBC only gives it as a lifetime award. The lifetime award makes monetary sense," said WB, of the difference between the TNBA and USBC. "The TNBA, however, operates in this area more on the moral obligation side as opposed to the monetary one. It is more equipment related than skill related now, thus higher scores are very normal as opposed to the 70s and the 80s."
The all-events tournaments provides multiple options for bowlers. The formats follow the general tournament lay outs that meet the USBC approval. The variety and the multiple possibilities of winning are the most attractive to the bowlers.
TNBA has had a 900 series (three perfect games) rolled in one of its sanctioned leagues. This occurred in 2015 and it was shot by Hakim Emmanuel from Stroughton, Mass. Mookie Betts of the Boston Red Sox, and Jerome Bettis formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Are two athletes who have excelled in bowling and have rolled a perfect games as well. Bettis,originally from Detroit, was an accomplished junior bowler before he accepted a football scholarship to Notre Dame. Bettis won Super Bowl XL in Detroit on Sunday February 5, 2006, as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 21-10. Georgia House of Representative Rep Stacy Abram is known to have bowled a game or two. Betts rolled his perfect game in a PBA event in 2018. The Red Sox won the World Series in 2018 also.
National Bowling News - January 30, 2020.