American Black Upper Class - Social and Family Organizations

Social and Family Organizations

Over the years, the black upper class has also founded numerous other organizations that allow them to socialize among each other, build their networks and get involved in their communities.

One of the most notable is Jack and Jill of America, Inc., an elite mother's club for African American women founded in Philadelphia, PA in 1938 by a group of upper-class mothers who wanted to bring their children together to experience a variety of educational, social and cultural opportunities, which, due to segregation and racism, were not otherwise readily available to African American children, regardless of the socio-economic status of their parents. Today, there are around 218 chapters across the United States and the world. Roughly 30,000 parents and children participate through 9,500 mothers who hold membership. Separated into age groups, children attend monthly activities extensively planned by the mothers of that age group, which may include philanthropic endeavors/community service, pool parties, ski weekends, theater, museums, lectures, college tours, etc. Membership is by invitation-only and, even then, not guaranteed due to the extensive candidate selection process, which may last a year or longer and may include a vote by existing members. Membership is limited to mothers of children between the ages of 2-19. Annual costs of membership, including dues and activity fees, may easily reach thousands of dollars.

The LINKS, Incorporated, founded in 1946, requires that each of its members accumulate a substantial number of volunteer hours, and is also known for its numerous annual social activities including debutante cotillions, fashion show luncheons, auctions and balls. Women interested in joining any of the local chapters must be nominated by a current member. Most members are philanthropists, college presidents, judges, doctors, bankers, lawyers, executives, educators or the wives of well-known public figures. There are currently about 12,000 members in 273 chapters in 42 states.

The Girl Friends, Inc., was founded in 1927 in New York City. The group, composed of many individuals from well-respected black upper-class families, has many philanthropic and cultural activities that include raising money for charities and also sponsors social activities for its members. It includes about 40 chapters in major American cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles and Atlanta. There are around 1,300 members. Women are admitted after being nominated by at least two existing members and then approved by at least two-thirds of that particular chapter.

Other prominent women's groups include the Continental Societies, Inc., The Drifters, Inc., the CARATS, Incorporated, The Moles, Inc.,The Pierians, The Carousels, Top Ladies of Distinction(TLOD), the National Smart Set, The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Club, Inc. and the Northeasterners.

There are also a few organizations founded specifically for upper class black men. Some of these include the Sigma Pi Phi Boule, 100 Black Men of America, the Comus Social Club, the Reveille Club, the Hellians (Washington, DC), The THEBANS, The TUX CLUB, the Consorts, Bachelor-Benedict Club www.bachelor-benedictclub.org, and the National Association of Guardsmen.