The formation of the Improved BPOE as a separate order, however, began in February 1897, when it was established in Cincinnati, Ohio, by city residents B. F. Howard and Arthur J. Riggs.

The New York Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the BPOE, with Judge Barlett stating, "If the members desired the name of an animal there is a long list of beasts, birds, fishes which have not yet been appropriated for such a purpose.

"[6] According to historian Venus Green, the Improved Elks labor activism was distinguished from other black fraternal organizations by their "cross-class alliances, male/female solidarity, racial unity, a willingness to join coalitions across ideologies and to engage in multiple forms of struggle, especially militant mass mobilization.

That property was the site where John Brown (abolitionist) had trained his troops in anticipation of his raid on Harpers Ferry, West Virginia in 1859; this was a catalyst for the American Civil War and the abolition of slavery.

The auditorium was rented on summer weekends by a local black entrepreneur, John Bishop, who booked into that venue dozens of the biggest stars of rhythm and blues, including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, B.

[7] The order's historical importance as a place of activism continues to be a central aspect of its public image, that has even reached the interest of scholars and historians.

[1] Like other fraternal associations in the United States, both black and white, the Improved Elks have been dealing with declining membership as older members die.

Younger people face a different world, and seem less inclined to join such associations that purposefully discriminated against women and also require religious belief.

[5] The Improved Elks in the United States sponsor scholarship programs, youth summer computer literacy camps, help for children with special needs, and extensive community service activities.