What was the fundamental purpose of the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association when established?

The National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association (NFDMA) was established to specifically address the needs and interests of African American funeral directors and morticians. This organization emerged in a historical context where African Americans faced significant challenges and discrimination within the broader funeral service industry. By forming this association, members aimed to create a supportive community that could advocate for equitable treatment, professional development, and the promotion of their unique cultural practices within the funeral service profession.

This focus on representing the interests of African American funeral directors facilitated the advancement of professional standards, education, and business practices that were not only reflective of but also responsive to the cultural values and traditions of the African American community. Such foundational purposes set the tone for the organization's ongoing efforts to uplift and empower its members while ensuring that their voices were heard in an industry that historically marginalized them.

While the organization may also engage in broader professional initiatives across various demographics, its inception was profoundly rooted in serving the specific needs of African American funeral service practitioners.