The National Society of Black Engineers started in 1974, originally “Society of Black Engineers” it was formed by the “Chicago Six” - Edward Coleman, Anthony Harris, Brian Harris, Stanley L Kirtley, John W Logan jr and George Smith along with some Purdue engineering students and Professor Arthur J. Bond Ph.D

The first meeting was in April 1975 with 48 students and 32 schools. It was during the meeting that the “Society of Black Engineers” became the “National Society of Black Engineers”. It became a 501c(3) national non profit in 1976 with John Cason being the first president of the organization.