In the 60's and 70's there was a group of black gangster who called themselves the "black mafia" (original I know LOL) who worked closley with the family, while commiting their own criminal activity. They moved drugs and fenced in the projects and black section of towns, but they also committed murder for the family and were just recently connected to a early 70's murder of community activist Leon Jordan whom was causing problems for the family guys who were on the city council. From what I understand they conducted themselves, dressed and simply tried to be a black version of the Italian OC.