Congress Formally Honors Prince Hall: Recognizing the Founder of Black Freemasonry and Revolutionary-Era Activist

This resolution is essentially Congress taking a moment to officially recognize and honor the historical legacy of Prince Hall, a free Black man in Boston who lived from about 1735 to 1807. This isn’t a bill that changes regulations or taxes; it’s a formal, institutional acknowledgement of a major figure in early American civil rights history. The resolution lays out Hall’s story, focusing on his activism during the Revolutionary Era and his foundational role in establishing Black Freemasonry in the United States.

The Activist Who Founded His Own Lodge

The core of the resolution centers on Hall’s persistent fight against slavery and exclusion. After being turned away by an all-White Masonic group in 1775, Hall and 14 other Black men started their own lodge. This act of self-determination is why Prince Hall is celebrated as the founder of Black Freemasonry, an organization that is now recognized as one of the oldest continuously running groups founded by African Americans. The resolution formally recognizes this legacy and the thousands of lodges across 47 grand lodges that trace their history directly back to the group Hall started.

Petitioning for Justice in the 1700s

Beyond the Masonic ties, the resolution highlights Hall’s direct political action. For instance, in 1777, Hall petitioned the Massachusetts government to abolish slavery, arguing that Black people deserved the rights listed in the Declaration of Independence. This wasn’t just talk; it was formal, documented political advocacy decades before the major abolitionist movements gained traction. The resolution also notes Hall’s 1788 petition to the state legislature asking for protection for Black sailors, who were frequently being kidnapped and sold into slavery. These actions show a man using every tool available—from community organizing to direct legislative appeal—to fight for his community’s basic rights and safety.

Why This Matters Today

While this resolution doesn't change your tax bracket or your commute time, it provides formal federal recognition to a pivotal figure whose contributions are often overlooked in mainstream history books. For historians, educators, and the Prince Hall Masonic community, this is a significant affirmation. It formally acknowledges that the struggle for justice and equality in America didn’t wait for the 19th or 20th centuries; it was actively being fought by figures like Prince Hall right from the start of the nation’s founding. It’s Congress saying, officially, that this piece of history matters and deserves recognition.