Jack & Jill

[AKA_Monet]

I interpreted Black_princess' comments as one who was not born with a "silver spoon" could break into the some of these groups, not if one was fortunate to be pass the "paper bag test".

Yes, these groups are about elitism. It is all about who you know. It is all about who you married or simply how far you can passe blanc.

I was born into it. Yes, I am saditiy and what of it? But the Links blackballed my mother because they felt she did not contribute anything to the community, albeit my folks had just moved to SoCal and my father was establishing himself and his business. This ~30 years ago. And because we lived in a "new construction" area in 1975 and because my grandfather was very high up the elitist change it still did not remove the fact that the Links straightjacketed my mother...

Then she proved to be somebody, about something and make somethangs happen and they have since asked her to join dozens of time. She plainly say absolutely not.

Moreover, I HATED JNJ in my city. I can count on one hand how many in JNJ's in my teen group succeeded in life--meaning becoming taxpayers and NOT in jail... Because several of them had out-of-wedlock children, in jail, addicted to drugs.

On the West Coast, we are lucky to even discuss things like never have gone to prison, much less folks think about college. We all have to be mindful of that.

[black_princess]

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

I interpreted Black_princess' comments as one who was not born with a "silver spoon" could break into the some of these groups, not if one was fortunate to be pass the "paper bag test".

Yes, these groups are about elitism. It is all about who you know. It is all about who you married or simply how far you can passe blanc.

I was born into it. Yes, I am saditiy and what of it? But the Links blackballed my mother because they felt she did not contribute anything to the community, albeit my folks had just moved to SoCal and my father was establishing himself and his business. This ~30 years ago. And because we lived in a "new construction" area in 1975 and because my grandfather was very high up the elitist change it still did not remove the fact that the Links straightjacketed my mother...

Then she proved to be somebody, about something and make somethangs happen and they have since asked her to join dozens of time. She plainly say absolutely not.

Moreover, I HATED JNJ in my city. I can count on one hand how many in JNJ's in my teen group succeeded in life--meaning becoming taxpayers and NOT in jail... Because several of them had out-of-wedlock children, in jail, addicted to drugs.

On the West Coast, we are lucky to even discuss things like never have gone to prison, much less folks think about college. We all have to be mindful of that.

AKA_MONET, you did interpret my question right . . .I was just wondering what the chances are of a young person, mother, ect making it into these orgs. without a prior history. Also, I have to say I love everyones honesty . The fact that you all are able to say "yes I was able to participate" while also suggesting that not making it is not the be-all-and end-all was also refreshing. When I first proposed this question, I honestly was not sure what the reaction would be. Thankfully, I was able to learn a few things and gain some more insight. Thanks yall

PS: I love the comment "Yes, I am saditiy and what of it?" When I read that, I immediatly thought of myself and the bourgeois adjectives that my friends sometimes use to describe me

[jubilance1922]

This a great discussion.

My hometown doesn't have J&J, but we do have a similar org, which was actually co-founded by a Past National President of Delta Sigma Theta. It was very much an "elite" organization, and it was well known that only girls from certain families would be invited to join. My parents were from the ghetto, and not from my hometown, so I guess we (or should I say I) wasn't good enough. Even though I'm one generation from the projects, I feel like I'm doing good to be only 24 with 2 degrees and a job that I love.

Who knows, maybe when I grow up and get married and have kids, maybe I'll be cool enough to be invited to J&J.

[NiaX]

Originally Posted by jubilance1922

This a great discussion.

My hometown doesn't have J&J, but we do have a similar org, which was actually co-founded by a Past National President of Delta Sigma Theta. It was very much an "elite" organization, and it was well known that only girls from certain families would be invited to join. My parents were from the ghetto, and not from my hometown, so I guess we (or should I say I) wasn't good enough. Even though I'm one generation from the projects, I feel like I'm doing good to be only 24 with 2 degrees and a job that I love.

Who knows, maybe when I grow up and get married and have kids, maybe I'll be cool enough to be invited to J&J.

You better stop that Jubi! You are too cool!

[jubilance1922]

Originally Posted by NiaX

You better stop that Jubi! You are too cool!

Yay! I made it into the cool club!

[ladygreek]

Originally Posted by jubilance1922

This a great discussion.

My hometown doesn't have J&J, but we do have a similar org, which was actually co-founded by a Past National President of Delta Sigma Theta. It was very much an "elite" organization, and it was well known that only girls from certain families would be invited to join. My parents were from the ghetto, and not from my hometown, so I guess we (or should I say I) wasn't good enough. Even though I'm one generation from the projects, I feel like I'm doing good to be only 24 with 2 degrees and a job that I love.

Who knows, maybe when I grow up and get married and have kids, maybe I'll be cool enough to be invited to J&J.

Is that org Tots and Teens? Which PNP co-founded it?

[WenD08]

i would also like us to be mindful as to not paint the orgs. or its members w/the same brush. having grown up in J&J, gone to Spelman, "pledged" AKA, and chartering a chapter of The Links, Incorporated, what you all see isn't exactly what's real. everyone in these groups isn't rich/wealthy (i'm sure as heck not), or oh-so-connected, well-known, etc. the common thread is is that people wanted it (and not even w/the same desire, mind you). these folks did what was necessary to join whether they worked hard or little or paid a lot or a little. these groups do have members that weren't looked upon years ago so things have changed. apparently, perceptions haven't but that's understandable.
so, i thought i'd share and i do find this thread interesting as well

[risingstar]

I apologize. I must have been told completely wrong so I retract my statements. One person that I spoke with said that it was all about hard work, but she was sadly mistaken so I apologize for that. My bad. Please don't hold that against me.

[Little32]

I thought that the mention of hard work was in reference to AKA_Monet's statement about creating change in our respective and collective communities--not about getting invited to join one of these organizations.

[risingstar]

It really was. I was really responding to how much she has done in her community, which is inspiring, and a lot of hard work. You are very right. But I did also receive the wrong info about how the organizations want individuals who are hard workers in the community. I am still in school and have about 2 years left and that is what I am focused on, but I do have a lot of goals and plans for myself once I am finished and it is all about what I can do for the community. I would just like to be involved with organizations as well, but I will not base what I do on that.

[NiaX]

Originally Posted by Little32

I thought that the mention of hard work was in reference to AKA_Monet's statement about creating change in our respective and collective communities--not about getting invited to join one of these organizations.

It was... you are correct.

[SummerChild]

Oh, my fault ya'll. I thought you guys were talking about it takes hard work to *get into* these orgs.

SC