I heard crips and bloods do the same thing.
Sure.
I think for most things that many black folks don't understand or can't identify with, we often attack, demonize, build up elaborate mythologies and conspiracies, when in reality, there isn't much to it.
The Boule is nothing but a group of old black men (and some middle age) that have ascertained some modicum of success and want to enjoy it with one another. Nothing else.
Where I'm from people call us "club people". We join clubs to socialize. We join clubs to volunteer. We join clubs for philanthropy. We join clubs for activity and recreation. It's just what we do. So getting an invite for something like the Boule would be expected.
Obviously, I'm not a member of the Boule (my minister is, as is two of my cousins, my girlfriends' grandfather and first cousin are, and grew up with many members with whom I call "uncle"), but I was invited to join another local black men's group that I turned down because, included among the membership were firefighters, folks that sell life insurance policies, and a few others that I don't really care to interact with on a social level. I was also invited to join 100 Black Men, which I declined as well, because I already do enough mentoring and volunteering in other organizations in which I'm involved.
I know a lot of Boule men from the Beta Boule (Chicago) and Kappa Boule (Atlanta). My only gripe with them is that, for all their affluence and levels of sophistication, most of them have horrible taste. I've seen where many of them choose to live, their choice of homes, their choice of decor, their style, and it leaves much to be desired. It's not the style and taste that is commiserate with their status. Which has always left me a bit crestfallen and even question if I would bother enough to join as I feel that many of the men's taste level isn't even on par to mine and I'm under half their ages
And for the record, it's very easy to join the Boule and other organizations like it. Here is a hack:
Many of the founding members of organizations like the Sigma Phi Phi, the Moles or Girlfriends, and Jack and Jill in my city are from my church. So current members of these organizations from my church want to ensure that the younger church members be brought in as well to keep the tradition going. Because of this, my church is wall to wall filled with BGLO's and these organizations. Even quiet non-descript people whom you would never assume, have affiliations with these organizations....that's how deep it is.
All a nikka has to do is show up to a church like mine, in any city, that had old affiliations with these organizations, and if he/she carries themselves well, the members that are currently active will bend over backwards to bring him/her in.
Dassit.
I see it happen all the time with younger women, who may not have had prior ties to the organizations, but are professional and carry themselves well. Literally within maybe 2-5 years, them hoes have joined the Junior League and Links. If they have children, they already getting in Jack and Jill. That whole organization was founded damn near at my church. Same thing for the men.
It is EASY to get into these organizations if you WANT to be in them. You just have to know where to place yourself to get noticed which will lead to an invite. They WANT to bring qualified younger folks into these organizations because they are aging. If you show even the slightest interest, it's a done deal.
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