Postmaster Megan J. Brennan United States Postal Service 475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW Washington, D.C. 20260-0010
I am writing to you for your support in the creation of a Prince Hall stamp. Prince Hall was born in 1732, a free man of color, who advocated for the freedom of Blacks, reparations for those who were illegally enslaved and for the education of Black youth. Prince Hall was also a dedicated abolitionist who advocated for the rights and education of the entire Black and enslaved community.
In 1775 Prince Hall founded the African Lodge of the Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons of Boston, Massachusetts, the world’s first lodge of Black Freemasons and the first society in American history truly devoted to social, political and economic improvements. In honor of his many humanitarian contributions, the Masonic Order that he founded was named after him. Prince Hall is best known as one of 15 men of African descent who were initiated into Masonry on March 6, 1775 by John Batt, a Sergeant in the 38th Foot Regiment of the British Army and a representative of Irish Military Lodge No. 441, working under the authority of the Grand Lodge of Ireland. When the British left Boston on March 26, 1776, John Batt had already issued a permit to Prince Hall on July 3, 1775.
This was one full year before America declared its independence from England and while the United States of America was still known as the American Colonies.
The issuance of this permit led to the formation of African Lodge No. 1, thus allowing them to function as a lodge, walk on St. John’s Day, march in parades, and to bury their dead. Today, over 5,000 lodges and 47 Grand Lodges, and one Grand Lodge in your congressional district, trace their history and name to the original Prince Hall Lodge, African Lodge #1.
These AfricanAmerican Masonic groups remain dedicated to improving and aiding their community, society and mankind as a whole.
We do appreciate the United States Postal Services’ efforts to recognize diverse individuals who contributed to the history and the success of our country. We believe Prince Hall is an excellent example of the many African-Americans who contributed to the early history of the United States of America. Also, we believe that it would be more than fitting to recognize his contributions and sacrifices today, as they were not recognized in his own lifetime, with a stamp honoring him. We would deeply appreciate your assistance on this matter, which supports a Prince Hall Postal Stamp, by signing and forwarding this letter to the Post Master General at the above address or by including this letter, along with your letter of approval, on your official stationary and send both letters to the Post Master General at the above address.
Sincerely Yours | In, official site
Comments