The National Economic Association at 50: Getting Back to Our Roots

Abstract

The National Economic Association (NEA) started out as the Caucus of Black Economists in December 1969. At the onset of the 50th Anniversary of the NEA’s founding, this presidential address looks at the organization’s past, present, and future to improve the prospects for current and future African American economists. Three recommendations are offered: support The Review of Black Political Economy, the NEA’s journal; help develop regional student chapters; and continue to foster allies that are aligned with the NEA’s mission. The Economics field needs to be better about becoming diverse and inclusive, and the NEA can lead the movement toward those goals.