In 1971, two Purdue undergraduate students, Edward Barnette (now deceased)
and Fred Cooper approached the dean of engineering at Purdue University with
the concept of starting the Black Society of Engineers (BSE). They wanted to
establish a student organization to help improve the recruitment and retention
of black engineering students. In the late 1960's, a devastating 80 percent of
the black freshmen entering the engineering program dropped out. The dean agreed
to the idea and assigned the only black faculty member on staff, Arthur J. Bond,
as advisor.
Barnett served as the first president of the BSE. The fledging group gained
momentum in 1974, with the direction and encouragement of Bond and the active
participation of the young men whose destiny was to become the founders of NSBE.
Now known as the "Chicago Six", these men are Anthony Harris, Brian Harris, Stanley
L. Kirtley, John W. Logan, Jr., Edward A. Coleman, and George A. Smith.
Encouraged by their on-campus success, Anthony Harris, president of the Purdue
chapter, wrote a letter to the presidents and deans of every accredited engineering
program in the country (288), explained the Society of Black Engineers (SBE) concept
and asked them to identify black student leaders, organizations and faculty members
who might support their efforts on a national basis. Approximately 80 schools responded.
Many had similar Black student organizations with similar objectives. A date was set for
the first national meeting and 48 students representing 32 schools attended the event,
held April 10-12, 1975. Harris also changed the organizations' nomenclature from the BSE
to the Society of Black Engineers (SBE).
The torch symbolizes members' everlasting, burning desire to achieve success in a competitive
society and positively affect the quality of life for all people. The lightening bolt represents
the striking impact that will be felt by the society and industry due to the contributions and
accomplishments made by the dedicated members of the National Society of Black Engineers.
NSBE has since grown from six to over 31,000 members and the annual meeting has blossomed into
the Annual National Convention, hosting over 8,000 attendees. NSBE has 99 active NSBE Jr.
pre-college, 250 student and 68 alumni/technical professional chapters. Headquartered in
Alexandria, Va., NSBE offers academic excellence programs, scholarships, leadership training,
professional development and access to career opportunities for thousands of members annually.
With over 2000 elected leadership positions, 18 regional conferences and an annual convention,
NSBE provides opportunities for success that remain unmatched by any other organization.
The NSBE torch symbolizes our everlasting burning desire to achieve success
in this competitive society and to affect a positive change on the quality of
life for all people. The lightning bolt represents the striking impact that will
be felt by the Society and industry due to the contributions and accomplishments
made by dedicated members of the National Society of Black Engineers.
"To increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel
academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community."
