The International Association of Blacks in Dance has become the Mecca for Blacks in Dance such as artists, dance companies, directors, administrators, choreographers, scholars, educators and those interested in black dance issues, performance showcases, and artistry. The Association, founded in 1991, provides a network, formal newsletters, choreographers directory, published papers and is the raison d’être for the annual conference. The Association also responds to and initiates dialogue around issues that impact the Black Dance Community as well as the Dance community at large. IABD has developed national prominence and allowed the Black Dance Community to come together on issues important to them.