CHICAGO—Honor, service and brotherhood. These are just a few of the principles Black men representing Masonic jurisdictions strive to embody in their day to day lives. Members of various lodges recently bestowed the highest honors, accolades and respect upon the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam during a special gathering at the Palace, home of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad.
These are the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a Mason, explained Tony Hawkins of John G. Jones Grand Lodge of California Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.
“Knowing his works, knowing what he has done for the African American community or the Black community in particular here in the United States, this should have been done a long time ago but by the grace of Allah we’re here today,” said Mr. Hawkins.
Masons are a fraternal order or society that grew out of men that worked as stone masons and builders in the 17th and 18th century. It is a society steeped heavily in traditions, symbolism, core beliefs and doctrines. However, a Black man named Prince Hall from Barbados founded a lodge around 1784 when Blacks were not allowed or permitted in White lodges.
Photos from the solemn and unprecedented Sept. 28 gathering soon began circulating on social media.
“This has been a great day for me as a Mason and all the Brothers in this picture, not only did we meet with the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, we broke bread with him as well,” said Calvin D. Sanders via Facebook.
Rashad Muhammad of South Carolina, Amzi Muhammad of Chicago and Marcus 2X Hill of Baltimore are members of the Nation of Islam and are also Masons. The men were particularly touched to honor the Minister. The Minister was presented with dozens of awards, plaques, certificates and Masonic regalia that have deep significant meaning.
Several Black Masonic jurisdictions came together on one accord for the first time in history to pay homage to the Minister, said Marcus 2X Hill.
