Race and the level

"The common gavel in its use is to divest our hearts, minds and consciences of all the vices and superfluities of this world; and that includes bigotry and prejudice." Bro Sidney Kase, PGM, Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Washington F&AM

The above quote was made in 1991 during the memorial of one of my masonic heroes: William H Upton. William H Upton, a past grand master in 1897, was the chairman of the committee that not only recognized that Prince Hall masons were legitimate, but also recommended that the grand lodge recognize the Prince Hall grand lodge of that state. The recommendation was voted on and between 1897-9, there was recognition and visitation between both grand lodges. As you can expect considering that time in America, it caused hell. Many grand lodges threatened to and some actually unrecognized that grand lodge forcing it to change its decision in 1899 and Bro Upton stating he would not want to be given masonic rites unless masons regardless of color dwelled as brothers.

The issue of race is still pertinent in America as it was then as it is now. Race is an intrinsic strand on American life and it even has some of its strains in freemasonry. It was not until almost 100 years after Upton pushed forward his recommendation that Prince Hall Grand Lodges and Non Prince Hall Grand Lodges started to recognize each other and actually stick with it. But even as this is done, many Grand Lodges still refuse to recognize each other and the consensus among most Prince Hall masons is that the antagonism is usually from the other grand lodge, which is not completely correct.

Prince Hall freemasonry has expanded especially in the past 20 years thanks to the proliferation of military lodges in military bases outside the US. Those lodges usually see more diversity within their lodges than back home. However, in these lodges back in the US, there is a very strong and tense antagonism against Prince Hall brothers who are not black american by some of the black american brethren. I have known at least one brother who had the hardest time in being brought in to the fraternity. I have heard of many so-called masters who have declared that as long as they live, no caucasian shall ever enter or be a member of their lodge. I have also seen how at least one caucasian brother was not allowed to pursue his masonic career in one particular body because the older brethren refused to let him in. So, why this hate? Let's explore it a little further.

Like I said in an earlier post, the goals of Prince Hall grand lodges, lodges and indeed masons got lost somewhere down the road as a result of a lack of proper guidance or understanding of the goal of freemasonry. One of such manufactured goals that may have been slightly askew from the goal of character development was one of black nationalism by the predominantly black organization. Particularly during the abolitionist and civil rights era, Prince Hall grand lodges were somewhat activist in their support of both movements. A lot of Prince Hall lodges were venues for abolitionist and civil rights seminars and talks, this was not too bad as the era was filled with the strong strife of slavery and segregation. However with the end of slavery and segregation, some grand lodges have not necessarily moved on from that mode of thinking.

Some grand lodges still contribute to the NAACP legal fund, some still celebrate abolitionist landmarks such as the Emancipation Proclamation. The truth is: while this was ok in the past, it has no place in our modern freemasonry. With the thinking and practice these grand lodges and lodges continue to have, they have encouraged the older (and infact a younger breed as well) brethren to continue their anti-white "pro-black" attitude regarding Prince Hall freemasonry as an exclusively christian black american organization. Some of those racist brothers refuse to accomodate or be open towards men of different races and backgrounds who choose to be Prince Hall masons. Some give the excuse of the actions of the other grand lodge, but when did their actions have anything to do with ours? Aren't we sovereign? Just because there are some that act unmasonic, shall we follow in their steps as well?

The argument of those who say that Prince Hall freemasonry should stay black is as archaic and outdated as colored water fountains. Prince Hall Freemasonry has diversified and allowed for men of different creeds and backgrounds to become one of us.  Prince Hall Freemasonry would never have existed if caucasian men didn't see Prince Hall and the 14 others fit enough to be masons based on their race. Certainly would not have existed if the white grand master of the Premier Grand Lodge of England issued Prince Hall the charter for African Lodge #459.

There are many caucasians, muslims, and immigrants who have become Prince Hall masons. It is time to change our mentality and adapt to this diverse and open world we live in and allow our fraternity flourish and grow by becoming more accommodating and inviting to all good men who knock on our doors.

Now...let's talk about the gays...ok, maybe later.