Bill > ACR116

Introduced Session

This resolution recognizes and honors Prince Hall, a Revolutionary Era activist and the founder of "Prince Hall Freemasonry." Prince Hall was a Free Black man who lived in Colonial Boston, Massachusetts circa 1735 to 1807. In 1775, after being denied membership by an all-white Masonic lodge, Hall and 14 other free Black men formed their own Masonic lodge, African Lodge # 1, later renamed African Lodge No. 459. Soon after the founding, Hall was elected the leader, or "Worshipful Master," within African Lodge #1. Because of his role in founding African Lodge #1, and his leadership role within the lodge, Hall became known as the "Father of Black Freemasonry." In the year following Hall's death, several Northeast African Lodges formed the first African Grand Lodge. In 1847, the African Grand Lodge changed its name to the Prince Hall Grand Lodge to honor Hall's legacy. Today, more than 5,000 lodges and 47 grand lodges can trace their lineage to African Lodge #1. "Prince Hall Freemasonry" is recognized as the oldest, continuously active organization founded by African Americans in the United States. In addition to his role in founding the African Lodge, Hall is known for his advocacy for the abolition of slavery. In 1777, Hall petitioned the Massachusetts government to abolish slavery in proclamation that African Americans should be afforded the rights laid out in the Declaration of Independence. In 1778, Hall, as Worshipful Master, presented a plan to the Massachusetts government to allow African Americans to return to Africa in consideration of slavery and other hostile living conditions within the United States. In 1788, Hall again called upon the Massachusetts government to protect Black sailors from being kidnapped and sold into slavery. Alongside his work for the abolition of slavery, Hall continuously fought for the expansion of rights for African Americans. Hall called for the extension of public education to African American children. He argued that tax dollars taken from African American workers should not be withheld from African American families. Prince Hall's advocacy work has cemented his legacy as a prolific Revolutionary Era activist, especially as it relates to the fight for justice and equal rights.

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Linda Carter (D)*,  Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee (on 02/19/2026)

Official Document