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In this episode, I’ll discuss my life as a member of the Prince Hall Freemasons. Notable Prince Hall Freemasons include prominent historical figures, civil rights leaders, entertainers, and innovators who shaped American history. A sample list includes President Joe Bidden; Shaquille O'Neal; Thurgood Marshall; W.E.B. Du Bois; Booker T. Washington; Jesse Jackson; Andrew Young; William "Count" Basie; Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington; Nat King Cole; Richard Pryor; Sugar Ray Robinson; Matthew Henson; Dennis W. (Wayne) Archer; Scottie Pippen; Alexander T. Augusta; and Daniel Hale Williams.

Historians report Prince Hall Freemasonry is the oldest and largest predominantly African American Masonic fraternity in the world. The legacy of African American Freemasonry begins in 1775 with Prince Hall, a prominent member of Boston's Methodist and African American community.

In 1784, Prince Hall and the other Black members of the British lodge formally petitioned the Grand Lodge of England to charter a new lodge on American soil. Their request was granted, allowing them to create the first African American lodge, African Lodge No. 459. Years later, when Prince Hall died in 1807, African American Masons endowed their fraternity with his name to distinguish it from the white lodges which excluded them.

At least 5,000 lodges can trace their lineage to the original African Lodge #459 established by Prince Hall, and over 300,000 members in the United States alone serve in the Brotherhood today. Worldwide, it is estimated that there are over 4,500 Prince Hall lodges. Let’s talk about it!

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