About Us
National Black Prosecutors Association
The National Black Prosecutors Association (NBPA) is the only professional membership organization dedicated to the advancement of blacks as prosecutors. Founded in 1983, the Association’s membership is comprised of prosecutors in the continental United States, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and in Canada. It includes both chief and line prosecutors from local, state and federal offices. In addition to prosecutors, the association’s membership includes law students, former prosecutors, and law enforcement personnel.
NBPA is emerging as the international association of black law enforcement professionals with a reputation for providing education and leadership in the legal profession through its intensive training sessions and multi-disciplined networking.
Our mission is to increase the number of black prosecutors and to support their success in the field. We provide training and support to our members to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their careers. Our team of experienced prosecutors is committed to promoting diversity, fairness, and justice in the criminal justice system.
We work to promote fairness in the legal system, and to ensure that black prosecutors have a voice in shaping policies and practices that affect their communities.
Training & Support for Prosecutors
NBPA has established a number of training programs in direct response to the needs of its membership. The annual conference serves as a comprehensive and intensive training session on innovative changes in the law, its application and consequences. Curated programs and training sessions with CLE Credit for members helps prosecutors remain prepared to represent the community. Through the work of our Legislative and Social Action Committee the NBPA works to protect and advocate for prosecutorial discretion, professionalism, and initiatives that are centered on serving the community through fair yet firm action.
Community Centered Student Programs
Our regional school programs such as Real Talk; the High School Mentor Program in Los Angeles, California, Legal Lives: partnership for Respect of Esteem, the Adopt-a-School Program in Brooklyn, New York, and various other youth programs throughout the nation are either initiated or endorsed by NBPA members.
Each year at the annual conference, the NBPA hosts a simultaneous Youth Conference, with the goal of empowering the youth with a positive message in every state the NBPA visits. Topics include life skills, planning for the future, making positive choices, career options and understanding the criminal justice system. Giving back to the communities we serve is integral to the mission of the NBPA.
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The purpose of these programs is to expose students to positive role models within the criminal justice system through law related education. These programs increase students’ awareness of racial, cultural and religious diversity and broaden their knowledge of the criminal justice system and its relationship to the community. They further increase the students’ awareness of the legal and social consequences of poor decision making.
In 2016, the NBPA expanded its mission by creating a 501(c)(3) foundation to support the next generation of law students of color passionate about pursuing a career in public service.
Studies revealed a lack of diversity in the field, as well as in the numbers of elected prosecutors. The foundation assists future prosecutors with mentorship, scholarships and fellowship opportunities attending law schools throughout the United States.