MBAA is Memphis' premier cultural arts advocacy organization.Founded by Bennie Nelson West in 1982, MBAA preserves, promotes and celebrates black art. MBAA has long recognized the power of the arts to instill pride, make kids smarter, inspire action, and help heal the sick, curb youth delinquency, improve neighborhoods, create jobs and promote harmony and appreciation of diversity within and outside the black community. As a result its mission is to build the community through the arts.