Kimberly Lauren Stokes and Dexter Clay Mason did not meet until adulthood, but their paths could have crossed much earlier in life.

Ms. Stokes and Mr. Mason are both from Detroit. Both were members of Jack and Jill of America, a social organization for Black families. Both of their mothers, who happen to be former co-workers, are members of the Links, a nonprofit organization for Black women. And both are members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, known as the Divine Nine, which is composed of historically African-American fraternities and sororities.