The fraternity was established so that educated African American men, who were accomplished in their professions, could have a social, spiritual and communial gathering space.  Within the group, members are referred to as arcons and wives as archousai. 

The group's second member Boule "Beta Boule" was formed in 1907 in Chicago followed by it's third member Boule in Baltimore in 1908. The organization gradually became nationwide and has included many prominent men including Martin Luther King, Jr. WEB Dubois, Arthur Ashe, Ron Brown, Earl Graves of Black Enterprise Magazine, and John Johnson of Ebony Magazine. Most prominent African Americans are members including college presidents, congressmen, cabinet members, and nationally prominent figures.  The fraternity is currently comprised of 112 member Boules or chapters.

The fraternity is often referred to as the Boule, which in fraternity parlance means "a council of noblemen".