The National Society of Black Engineers was founded in 1975 at Purdue University by Anthony Harris, Brian Harris, Stanley L. Kirtley, John W. Logan, Jr., Edward A. Coleman, and George A. Smith. They are known as "the Chicago Six".
The National Society of Black Engineers was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in the state of Texas in 1976.
Virginia Booth served as the first female and two-term National Chairperson from 1978-1980.
There are six membership categories in the organization: Member, NSBE Jr. Member, Alumni Member, Affiliate Member, Lifetime Member, and Honorary Member
Region 2 (also known as "The Deuce") of the National Society of Black Engineers is comprised of over 2,400 collegiate student members, 1,000 NSBE Jr. members, 1,000 alumni working professionals and boasts 21 Lifetime members. These members represent more than 60 Chapters throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Region 2 offers an unparalleled opportunity for recruitment by corporate sponsors because it is home to some of the nation's top universities. U.S. News and World Report's "2008 America's Best College Rankings" ranks eleven universities within Region 2 in the top 50, along with a wealth of other Region 2 universities garnishing the title of having the best undergraduate engineering programs. Region 2 is also the home of twelve Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Our members have the advantage of being in close proximity to top engineering firms, for example, the Research Triangle Park in North Carolina (the largest research park in the Nation), and engineering corporate giants Lockheed Martin and Boeing in Pennsylvania. Our Regional Executive Board's ultimate responsibility is to serve the NSBE membership and to enhance the presence of the organization with the support of the Regional Alumni and Advisory Boards. We are dedicated to the promotion of our mission within the lives of all students and professionals.