The idea of a Houston Chapter of NABA was conceived in 1970. The initial meeting as the Houston Metropolitan Accountants was held in the basement of the School of Business at Texas Southern University. The first president was Chad Brown, who was one of five black CPAs in Houston at that time. This 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; and
• the small number of blacks sitting for the CPA examination

Through the efforts of Vera Jackson, the Houston organizers became acquainted with the newly-formed NABA and found that the two bodies shared similar interests. Dedicated to the purpose for which NABA stands, the Houston Metropolitan Chapter has undertaken a broad range of projects. Among these are:

• 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;
• participation in high school career day programs;
• establishment and administration of a scholarship fund for high school and college level accounting and business students; and
• formation of student chapters at the University of Houston, Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M University, Texas A&M University, and Sam Houston State University.

Additionally, the chapter hosted several Western Region Student Conferences and National Conventions. Over the years, many Houston members have taken an active role nationally, assuming various positions, including directorships, regional officers and committee chairpersons.