New Amsterdam Musical Association

Founded in 1904, the New Amsterdam Musical Association, NAMA is the oldest African-American musical organization in the United States. It was founded at the time that the American Federation of Musicians Local 310 (now, Local 802) did not admit minority musicians and the law stated that one had to be in the union in order to perform in New York City. NAMA moved to its current location in 1922. It is no longer union or exclusively a members club, and now functions as a hub for Harlemites, and a testament to the history of African-American musicians in New York City.

New Amsterdam Musical Association

Founded in 1904, the New Amsterdam Musical Association, NAMA is the oldest African-American musical organization in the United States. It was founded at the time that the American Federation of Musicians Local 310 (now, Local 802) did not admit minority musicians and the law stated that one had to be in the union in order to perform in New York City. NAMA moved to its current location in 1922. It is no longer union or exclusively a members club, and now functions as a hub for Harlemites, and a testament to the history of African-American musicians in New York City.