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Networks give members a chance to socialize, support one another
09:49 AM CDT on Thursday, June 30, 2005
It began as a group of women gathering monthly to play a game of dice.
But over the last 10 years, the Bunco club has become a way for black
families in northeast Tarrant County to socialize, connect and support
one another.
"Instead of playing, we'd talk," said Yvonne Gilliam of Colleyville, who
facilitates the group. "Someone would say, 'You should check out Jane
Doe at ABC Nails,' or 'I have this business.' I can't remember the last
time we played Bunco."
She said the gatherings fill a need to socialize with other black
families while living in predominantly white neighborhoods.
"I think oftentimes when people reach a certain income bracket, they
find themselves gravitating toward others in similar brackets,
regardless of race," Ms. Gilliam said. "But I miss being with people who
look like me and can share things."
The number of black households in the metro area that earn at least
$100,000 tripled during the 1990s, making Dallas-Fort Worth one of the
nation's leading metropolitan areas for upper-income black
professionals, according to a Dallas Morning News analysis.
While the overall number of upper-income black households here remains
relatively small, the growth in affluent black households during the
1990s has made the D-FW area a destination for black professionals.
Angela Jones, whose family moved to Southlake in 2000, said it's not
that they don't want to be part of the community. She's happy to
socialize with neighbors, but she also wants to stay connected to her
history.
"Being black is not just about skin color; it's also a cultural thing,"
said Ms. Jones, 40. "We want our kids to keep tabs on their roots and
where they're coming from. It can be so easy to lose that when you move
out to the suburbs."
The Dallas Morning News spent several months examining the
dynamics of affluent black households in the Dallas-Fort Worth
metropolitan region. The News analyzed U.S. census data from
1990 to 2000, comparing the growth in upper-income black households
locally and nationally. Reporters interviewed families,
demographers, economists and educators, as well as civic, business
and religious leaders about the status of black residents in the
region.
It also helps to be around others who understand your needs, she said.
"If you need a dermatologist, you want someone who's used to working
with African-American skin," Ms. Jones said. "Or to come into an area
and be able to find a good hairstylist for you, your children and your
husband."
There is no set day for their monthly meetings, and the women often
organize additional activities with their children. Movie outings and
pool parties are popular.
They keep in touch through an Internet listserv that allows the 165
members to quickly e-mail notices or ideas to one another.
The women's success inspired some of the husbands to start their own
group, Mid-Cities Men, about five years ago. They usually meet in one
another's homes or sometimes at a cigar bar.
Their meetings usually revolve around a televised sports event, and
someone always starts with a dominoes game. And while the women do
potluck, the men prefer to cater their events.
"One time we had chicken wings from an African-American business," said
Randy Richard of Colleyville, who moderates the men's group. "The guy
brought business cards, so it was a way for us to support him and him to
get more business."
There were 82 members when he took over the listserv two months ago, and
25 to 30 attend the meetings. They may discuss politics or the day's
news, but their focus is on relaxing and enjoying the camaraderie.
"A lot of the guys are hard-working and don't have a lot of free time
for ourselves," said Mr. Richard, 40. "We have kids and activities and
demanding jobs, so this is a time for the guys to hang out, watch a
sporting event and just have a good time."
The men and women meet on different nights, in part because many have
children. Separate events allow the spouses to watch the kids, Ms.
Gilliam said.
But they all come together every August for a family picnic just before
school starts, and many socialize with one another outside the group.
"It's just nice to connect with other black folks, to make friends and
learn about others," Ms. Jones said. "It's a good way to get connected.
For information, contact Ms. Gilliam at publicity@entertainmentpr.com.
Staff writer Jennifer LaFleur contributed to this report.
E-mail kgoolsby@dallasnews.com
