Prince Hall

Prince Hall, also known as the Father of Black Masonry, was the leader of the Black community in the city of Boston. He was the revolutionary who fought for black community, trying to provide them a place in some of the most crucial positions of the society such as education, military and Freemasonry.

He gave recognition to the black community and made it possible for them to enjoy the privilege of free and accepted masonry. Hence, Prince Hall is also considered the proud founder of “Black Freemasonry” in United States of America which is today known as the “Prince Hall Freemasonry”.

Free masonry began amidst the Black community during the famous War of Independence. During that time, Prince Hall along with fourteen other free black men helped the American soldiers to free their colonies from the British rule. He believed that the involvement of Negroes in the formation of a new country will surely help them take the first step towards the complete freedom of the Black community. However, his fight for the blacks was not at all easy.

The Massachusetts Committee of Safety simply rejected his proposal to allow the black people to fight for their colonies. Hall and his supporters petitioned the committee by comparing their rules with that of the British rules regarding the enslavement of the black people. However, England passed on a proclamation stating that the country would free the black slaves if they helped them fight in the war. After this proclamation was passed, the Colonial army started assigning the black soldiers a place in their army.

Prince Hall was also the founder of the African Grand Lodge in North America. He was also unanimously selected as the Grand Master and rendered his services to this great foundation until his death in the year 1807. Prince Hall is considered to be one of the most prominent African American leaders in the history of America.