Prince Hall Freemasonry: The Oldest African American Fraternity
- My Fraternity
- Mar 16
- 1 min read
Prince Hall Freemasonry: A Legacy of Brotherhood and Justice
Prince Hall Freemasonry is the oldest and largest African American fraternity in the United States, founded in 1775 by Prince Hall, a free Black man and civil rights activist.
Hall and 14 other free Black men were initiated into Freemasonry in 1775 and later organized African Lodge No. 1 on July 3 of the same year. In 1784, they petitioned the Grand Lodge of England for a charter, which was granted, officially establishing African Lodge No. 459 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Beyond Freemasonry’s traditional rituals and moral teachings, Prince Hall Masons played a vital role in racial uplift, mutual aid, and social justice.
During slavery and segregation, their lodges served as safe spaces for the Black community.
Many prominent figures, including Nat King Cole, Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Paul Robeson, Sugar Ray Robinson, and Shaquille O'Neal, have been proud members of Prince Hall Freemasonry.
Today, its legacy remains strong, continuing to uphold its founding principles of brotherhood, service, and equality.
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