JOHN G.
JONES; REGULAR VERSUS IRREGULAR: PART II
By Fahim A. Knight-El
It appears once again that the John G. Jones argument of
‘clandestine' versus ‘regular’ Masonry has risen his head again on Facebook in
which I published an article on this subject back on September 29, 2013,
titled: ‘John G. Jones: The Masonic Clandestine Argument Just Will Not Go Away,” (reference: Fahim A. Knight-El http://fahimknightsworld.blogspot.com/2013/09/john-g-jones-masonic-clandestine.html ) but that was not the first time that I had written on this controversial topic
of 'clandestine Masonry' versus 'Regular Freemasonry', but the power of social
media (Facebook) has allowed this article to reach many more people by allowing
them to have access to the above said article in real time. I wrote the article because we
as so-called black Masons needed to have this conversation and I knew that it
would invoke various emotions on both sides of the equation—there would be
apologist and pundits weighing-in, but I have always written as a Free Thinker and
I was not looking for Prince Hall Masonry nor John G. Jones Ancient Free and
Accepted Masonry to endorse me or my writings because many of my brothers of
Prince Hall persuasion do not have the courage or the intestinal fortitude to
step outside the box to objectively discuss John G. Jones and other black non-
Prince Hall Masonic Orders because the majority of these orders are viewed by
Prince Hall Masons as being clandestine and get automatically dismissed as
being bogus. Many Prince Hall brothers and even the intelligentsia of PHA
believe that to openly talk with and/or about irregular or clandestine Masonic
Orders in their mind is to give credence and credibility to their right to
exist and they find this conversation to be taboo and undeserving and to do so somehow this is seen as a compromise against the various obligations they swore
to uphold (it is prohibited in Prince Hall Masonry for them to have Masonic
intercourse with a clandestine Mason).
Yet, I as a Prince Hall Mason do respect PHA efforts to not
give recognition to some of these illegitimate Black Masonic Orders that have a
questionable charter and their history is suspect. Many of these type
clandestine orders operate under the disguise of shadiness and are duping
innocent brothers out of hundreds of dollars and in some cases thousands of
dollars by engaging in fraudulent and scam practices of Freemasonry (I will
never support such un-Masonic conduct). I think for anyone to imply or subtly
suggest that Brother Fahim A. Knight-El is writing and advocating in support of
clandestine Masonry is an out right lie and a bit disingenuous. However, who
granted the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) supreme authority over black
Freemasonry and gave them the right to validate our Masonic charters and it is
this so-called superior entity in Europe that I detest, because I do not believe
nor accept that they should have the power and authority to declare the legitimacy
of Masons the world-over (who gave them their charter in 1717?). I have no
respect for the authority of the UGLE and may be my writings and views might
even get me suspended and excommunicated, but I am willing to pay the price for
standing on truth. My motto is speaking truth to power.
The Enlightened Europeans stole their knowledge from ancient
Kemet (Egypt )
and our original rights to practice Masonry were written in the Medu Neter. I
am not on Facebook, but I have been informed that a brother named Omar Scaife
is the Facebook administrator of a site called Regular vs. Irregular: The Great
Debate and he claims to have over 2,000 members who have signed on to his
Facebook forum and I think Masons post and debate issues germane to Freemasons
on his page. I noticed on April 24, 2014, I had my smartphone with me and I
noticed that I had a few hundred hits on the article “John G. Jones: The
Masonic Clandestine Argument Just Will Not God Away” but at that point I did
not know that it was being talked about and dissected on Omar Scaife’s Facebook
page. Brother Thomas Brooks out of the Grand Lodge of New York stated: "the
author of the blog is all about blackness...nothing to do with masonry". I challenged this
brother on some ridiculous comments he made on his Facebook page relative to
Egypt and Black nationalism; Please refer to my Blog link articled titled: Black
Freemasonry and Egypt: Myth or Reality?” http://fahimknightsworld.blogspot.com/2013/07/black-freemasonry-and-egypt-myth-or.html
.
There is no doubt Brother Brooks, I am an Afrocentric
thinker and I make no apology for accepting and embracing my “Blackness”. Also,
there is another brother from my Masonic jurisdiction of North Carolina named Bro. Antoine Lilly. I believe he is a member of A.S. Hunter Lodge number 825 in Durham , NC
in which we both of us resides in Durham and he
to have been critical of me (ironic all four Prince Hall Masonic lodges in Durham share the same
Blue Lodge building). This is in part what Brother Lilly stated: "Bro.
Knight is in my state and my district. I am going to see if he and I can find
some time to sit down and discuss how damaging his work is. We shall see...” but
I am willing to take on all of them and to suggest that my work is damaging, is
definitely emotional and represents an unfair characterization and assessment
of my body of Masonic literary work. I do not mind saying what is unpopular in order to raise the conscious level of the Craft, but you cannot do this with trying to play it safe--Jesus and Muhammad changed the world by daring to challenge the status quo of their times and they have gone down in history as two of the most influential men to have ever walked this earth . I do not have any ulterior motives other
than advocating black Masonic unity, if I am guilty of anything, it is this
conviction that I hold very close to my heart. So I would love to have the
opportunity to meet and sit down with Brother Lilly, but I will not be defeated
nor compromise my position. I have justified below why I find it plausible for
black Prince Hall Masons and black non-Prince Hall Masons to have this
conversation because of the Time and What Must Be Done.
I received a response on my Blog on April 23, 2014 relative
to the above said article from a Prince Hall Masonic brother named Brother John
L. Hairston MWPHGL of Washington and Jurisdiction who is a member of J. C.
Logan Lodge #53 Free and Accepted Masonry in Seattle , Washington
This is what Brother Hairston stated: I think the
proposal of "historical amnesty" for John G. Jones is out of the
question. John G. Jones committed a Masonic Crime, was found guilty and
expelled from Freemasonry. That is the FACTS, whether John G. Jones groups
accept that or not. If we extend John G. Jones a pass for the damage he
incurred on Freemasonry, then why not do the same for all of those who were
expelled or indefinitely suspended”.
“I think John G. Jones
members and sympathizers attempt to portray John G. Jones as the victim, and
the subsequent bodies formed under his name as recipients of undue attacks from
Prince Hall Masons. The fact is that there can be NO conversation until the
John G. Jones group FIRST accept the TRUTH as it is. The debate continues, not
because Prince Hall masons just need someone to kick, but because when we run
into John G. Jones members they have SO MUCH MISINFORMATION on Prince Hall and
the Organizations in the various states, and when there is an attempt to
correct the misinformation and place them in the right standing with
Freemasonry, there is where the debate ensues, based on denial. I see no olive branch being extended to a blatant
clandestine group. But there is a way to end the rift. That John G. Jones
members join a legitimate Lodge and be good members there”.
“Bro. Fahim A Knight El
stated: "I chose to join a
Prince Hall (PHA) lodge because they truly have a legitimate warrant/charter
that goes back to 1784, so in that department they left no doubt about their
history and legal right to authorize degree work, etc., and function openly as
a body of Masons."
“And added to that: "Freemasonry isn't nothing to be played with and some of these crooked fake orders threatens the legitimacy of all Masons."
“Clandestine organizations could never threaten the legitimacy of the Regular Freemasonry. The Legitimacy has been established, but it could make membership sleighted, because of the damage that has been incurred by these groups. Unity will come when they heal over into regular lodges and give up the illegitimacy of clandestine freemasonry”.
“And added to that: "Freemasonry isn't nothing to be played with and some of these crooked fake orders threatens the legitimacy of all Masons."
“Clandestine organizations could never threaten the legitimacy of the Regular Freemasonry. The Legitimacy has been established, but it could make membership sleighted, because of the damage that has been incurred by these groups. Unity will come when they heal over into regular lodges and give up the illegitimacy of clandestine freemasonry”.
“There is LAW to this, and
we must preserve the Order by observing the law. We erase what has been done
already. We can just fix the problem. The opportunity to do so stands open to
all members who find themselves in clandestine groups...knock on the door of a
legitimate lodge and ask to join it”.
“The problem can be solved in one day, but it begins with John G. Jones groups recognizing that they are illegitimate and that their lineage is illegal, and then make the decision to take the PROPER STEPS to address that revelation”.
“The problem can be solved in one day, but it begins with John G. Jones groups recognizing that they are illegitimate and that their lineage is illegal, and then make the decision to take the PROPER STEPS to address that revelation”.
Freemasonry is based on principles of good and the foundation
of these principles is rooted in the various schools of thought of religious
dogma, which was designed to establish a moral outcome. Thus, in Western
Freemasonry these holy books are hailed on the alter and it’s taught that they
should serve as our religious guide along with the square and compass. Yeshua
bin Yosef (Jesus the son of Joseph) the carpenter became better known as the
Christ (or within Christian religious ethos as the Son of God). The Bible tells
us that Jesus was persecuted because his teachings challenged the Roman Emperor
Pontius Pilate and the Roman Government—they proclaimed Yeshua Ben Yosef “the
King of the Jews” but Jesus said that’s is who they say I am. Jesus was
eventually hanged along side a murderer and a thief. But as Masons who
proclaimed to be students of the scriptures and uses these holy books
throughout our rituals (where is our moral compass?)
But lack mercy and compassion by ignoring these principles
when it comes to how we view the shortcomings of humanity; no doubt perhaps
John G. Jones made some mistakes, but we are talking about something that
occurred over one hundred years ago, but here lies the hypocrisy; we automatically
forgave our white Masonic Brothers who for over two centuries openly viewed
Prince Hall Masonry as ‘irregular’. Some of this history was covered in Joseph Walkes
book titled 'Black Square
and Compass: 200 Years of Prince Hall Masonry' it is a Prince Hall
Masonic staple and is considered a must read for PHA Masons. It was
actually written as a rebuttal and refute (anti-thesis) to the so-called
errors made in a book titled, "Official History of Freemasonry Among
the Colored People in North America' by Wm. H. Grimshaw in which many Prince
Hall scholars maintain that Grimshaw (an early PHA historian) distorted
some of the historical facts and his scholarly credibility has been brought
into question. Walkes’ work corrected these errors and half-truths that were
presented as being factual by Grimshaw. Walkes also spearheaded the Prince
Hall Phylaxis Society (the research arm of PHA).
Jesus (Yeshua Ben Yosef) ministry was rooted in love and it is one of the most
often mentioned words in the New Testament. We came through the lodge quasi
naked, bear and empty and could not even deposited any materialism/metal i.e. gold
or silver or any currency of monetary value into the archives of lodge on our
own behalf because we entered by being divested of all metallic substance. But
someone vouched and openly offered on behalf of a destitute brother some
monetary substance; you were not in a position that you could even see who
offered up something of monetary value on your behalf. Although, they appeared to be strangers and it
was also to teach you that you have a greater responsibility and a charge to
take whatever substances that the Grand Architect of the Universe has blessed
you with and use it for the greater good of uplifting fallen humanity). It was
also to teach us that throughout our lives we will encounter social, political
and economic distress and will have to depend on others at some point for a
helping hand and for assistance—how long is your cabletow? Yet, when we entered
and in our most vulnerable state someone showed us brotherly love and
friendship in which more importantly someone came to our rescue and this
allowed for us to continue our journey of circumambulation (our guide insured
us that no danger would come to us because our faith and trust was rooted in
God).
I do not think that John G. Jones committed an unpardonable
sin and he should forever be left in the abyss to burn in Masonic hell without
ever revisiting this matter and issuing a formal resolution to end this
historical dispute, if nothing else for the sake of black Masonic unity—we perhaps
could argue the right and wrong pertaining to Brother Jones' history until the cows come home. However, if we can sit down with white Masons who for over
200 years openly practiced discrimination, segregation and racism against
Prince Hall Mason and falsely labeled PHA as ‘clandestine’ and ‘irregular’ in
which many of these white Grand Lodges jurisdictions were initially opposed to
granting Prince Hall Masons the status of ‘regular’ Masonry, but lets be clear
Prince Hall did not need the white Masons approval in the United States of America because
of their longevity and possessing a legitimate Masonic Warrant from a traveling
Irish Military Lodge in the 18th Century. I am a member of the Most
Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of North Carolina and its jurisdictions.
I can remember these ‘Negroes’ every year would have Grand
Lodge sessions in Winston Salem, North Carolina and for many years the sitting
Grand Master would openly put forth a resolution of Masonic recognition in support of the white Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (headquartered in Raleigh, NC off of
Glenwood Avenue) and extend an olive branch of goodwill to their white Masonic
counterpart. They often voted and accepted the white Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons as a ‘regular’ body of Masons and issued formal statements of recognition. And, perhaps every year a few weeks after
the Prince Hall Grand Lodge session the white Ancient Free and Accepted Masons
held their Grand Lodge Session and each year they added to their agenda a resolution to
accept black Prince Hall Masons as a legitimate and a ‘regular’ body of
Masons within the State of North Carolina and each year up until recently the
white Masons voted the resolution down and lacked the votes to grant PHA full
Masonic recognition status (reference: Fahim A. Knight-El http://fahimknightsworld.blogspot.com/2007/11/let-there-be-light-there-is-no.html .
The Raleigh “News and Observer” newspaper often after the white
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons downward vote year-after-year, this medium
would dramatize the event by writing and publishing something like White Masons
and Black Masons still remain divided and segregated after one hundred
thirty-eight (138) years; thus, for some Prince Hall Masons in North Carolina
this was demoralizing because in the ex- slaves minds they had bought into the idea as a body of Masons on their recognition being approved by white
Masons, which was to them an essential component to being viewed as ‘legitimate Masons’ (surely
Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black History Month and author of the book
titled, “The Mis-Education of the Negro” is turning over in his grave).
However, in October 2008, North Carolina white Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons casted a vote of 642-328 finally recognizing Prince Hall
Masons as a ‘regular’ body of Masons in North Carolina (if the truth be told they had to changed the voting rules to invite these ‘Negroes’ into the House but the
staunch AF&AM racist did not want to forge this relationship). Some of
these Negroes in my jurisdiction was yelling halleluiah and crying tears of joy
because their ex-slave master’s children officially invited them into the house
(many of them were already ‘House Negroes' and you should make no mistake about me because I am proud to be a ‘Field Negro’). The white Masons then invited these Negroes
to the NC State Capitol grounds for an official announcement and recognition or some official recognition luncheon (Negro Masons at the State Capitol appeared to be proud hugging and kissing their white Masonic Brothers and for many of them for the first time as black Masons they felt whole) What a shame. I did not see fit to allow some white
southern Confederates who wears the Masonic emblem of Square and Compass to
erase 138 years of white supremacy and segregation to give me some fried chicken, a butter biscuit
and some molasses along with a slice of watermelon and this was suppose to
alleviate the practice of Masonic racism. No, I did not go to Raleigh to celebrate with my oppressor. I as a Prince Hall Mason stood as the lone dissenting voice of opposition. I told my Worshipful Master hell no; I was not going.
These Negroes did not even ask for a formal apology (they were just happy to now be called a 'regular' body of Masons by white Masons and in their minds nothing else mattered); they
were too happy to be accepted by the devil and forgave the white Masons for
their racist practices. Yet, John G. Jones is not entitled to some leniency—or
forgiveness these ‘Negroes’ did not blink an eye in forgiving the white Masons
for 138 years of practicing hatred and bitterness that caused irreparable damage
to Prince Hall Masons reputation that ultimately affected the image and
impacted how they were viewed nationally and internationally by other Masonic
jurisdictions—their segregation was rooted in the history of white classism and
white privilege. Jones was not involved in denying black Masons the right to be
seen and treated as an upright man and perhaps many of these white Confederate
Masons in North Carolina had ancestors who lynched black men and owned slave
plantations in North Carolina and even had ties to the White Knights of the Ku
Klux Klans, but we found forgiveness in our hearts to exonerate them for
committing the greatest crime ever committed against humanity, which was white
North Carolinians involvement in Chattel Slavery.
So this is where I find the likes of Brother Hairston and other Prince Hall Masons lacking in moral judgment (slavery created a new Negro, one who loves his master more than he loves his self and his own people), but even their positions is often rooted in the Willie lynch syndrome and self-hatred is forever occurring in a people who were robbed of the knowledge of self and kind, in particular when we can sit down with our open enemies, but cannot sit down with our brothers to seek ways that we can unify and rectify a one hundred (100) year old disagreement and rift (This is the epitome of hypocrisy). We know that John G. Jones was a suspended and excommunicated former Prince Hall Grand Lodge representative from the State ofIllinois and many of us one
hundred (100) years later are still stuck right there and refuse to seek atonement
and reconciliation.
Our quest is to acquire the knowledge of self (this was
denied to us for 310 years). But remember for decades and centuries racism
existed inside of our great institution of Freemasonry in the United States (the
fraternity of brotherly love). Prince Hall and 15 other Black men may have been
initiated and raised by an Irish Military Lodge in 1784, but the fight for
equal Masonic Brotherhood with their White counterparts in the United States has
always been a struggle. The mindset of White Supremacy has
always saw people of African descent as not being their biological,
racial and culture equal. The fight for Black Masons to get formal
recognition has been ongoing for over 200 years because of this
mindset. Still in 2014, as I write this article nine (9) southern states
still have not recognized Prince Hall Masonry as a legitimate body of
Freemasons; this polarity has left some historical bitterness between White
Freemasons and Black Prince Hall Masons in this country. Now, that is not to say
that their hasn't been some sincere efforts on some White Masons part to
eradicate these false and artificial barriers and to pursue a unified
brotherhood. So how do you make man whole in which the U.S. Constitution
classified us as being 3/5 of a human being (sub-human)? And most of all taught
and espoused that we came from the dark continent of Africa who so-called made no worthwhile contribution
to human civilization. It perhaps hasn't been but about fifteen years
that Prince Hall Masons finally received recognition from the United Grand
Lodge of England and even this was somewhat conditional.
So this is where I find the likes of Brother Hairston and other Prince Hall Masons lacking in moral judgment (slavery created a new Negro, one who loves his master more than he loves his self and his own people), but even their positions is often rooted in the Willie lynch syndrome and self-hatred is forever occurring in a people who were robbed of the knowledge of self and kind, in particular when we can sit down with our open enemies, but cannot sit down with our brothers to seek ways that we can unify and rectify a one hundred (100) year old disagreement and rift (This is the epitome of hypocrisy). We know that John G. Jones was a suspended and excommunicated former Prince Hall Grand Lodge representative from the State of
For example, throughout the history of so-called African
Americans, we have witness black churches and black organizations split, fratricide,
splinter and divide itself based on doctrine and dogma and/or over money,
titles, materialism, etc., in which often these divisions are driven by super
egos. African Methodist Episcopal Church and African Methodist Episcopal Zion
(I do not think Richard Allen and Absalom Jones could have anticipated how the pervasiveness
of these present day black religious contradictions have gotten out of control)
and we have witness various religious denominations (Catholic Church versus
Protestant Church—Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation; he wrote the 95
thesis) have outright physical and legal fights have ensued where two Christian
congregations are at war; yet when the dispute clears often both aggrieved
parties still professes to be Christian and are allowed to have all the rights
and privileges to function under the banner of being a legitimate Christian
church.
Some historians maintain that the Honorable Elijah Muhammad (1897-1975) and Master Fard Muhammad (1877-?) were both students of the Marcus Garvey's Movement and
some believe that they definitely were part of Noble Drew Ali’s (1886-1929) Moorish Science
Temple of America (they refer to Elijah Muhammad as Elijah Poole-Bey) in which
the Nation of Islam, Universal Negro Improvement Association and the Moorish
Science Temple have had these quasi ongoing disputes of how these groups and
leaders were formulated (it appears we tend to always lend more credibility to
the so-called parent organization). This argument between Prince Hall
Affiliated Masonry and John G. Jones as I have stated above is over one hundred
(100) years old and it is evident that John G. Jones affiliated lodges have
been around for over a century and it looks like they are not going anywhere. I
think most of my Prince Hall Masonic brothers are a bit emotional about who should
be considered “clandestine” and “regular” Freemasons and this stifles the quest
for a real debate and it only allows the argument to fester.
I therefore standby the fact that there should be some unbiased and
objective dialogue between Prince Hall Masons and other non-Prince Hall
Freemasonic orders in order to establish a covenant and/or if nothing else a
memorandum of understanding—but to ignore other Freemasonic Orders, it only
demonstrates and represents a level of immaturity on our part. These steps can
occur in increments before moving towards full recognition. I have known old
court cases that were adjudicated under U.S. Jurisprudence in which our legal
system allows for us to overturn convictions, grant clemency, pardon and
commute sentences—this is fundamental to our democracy. But I guess this should
never be applied to John G. Jones and many of these Prince Hall Masons leading
this negative charge are Christians.
“Mackey’s Jurisprudence of Freemasonry” was written in the
1850s by Albert Mackey and although Robert I. Clegg (1927) and later Louis
Blakemore (1953) has revised this book, it is still a book of interpretation
and a work in progress (more of a living document) as the Masonic scholar Allen
E. Roberts (author of the book titled, “The Craft and Its Symbols”) who was
partial to defraying Masonic jurisprudence and law to ones particular Masonic
jurisdiction. We should not be threatened by other non-Prince Hall Masons and
it would be wise to take notice of all the historical legal battles and hurdles
that Prince Hall Masons had to overcome in the United States of America in
order to be viewed and accepted as a legitimate body of black Freemasons—although,
most of their struggles were rooted in combating racism and white supremacy. It
still behooves me how we can be so insensitive to other Masons and their
struggles.
We cannot change what took place over 100 years ago, but we
have the ability to impact the present and the future by being good stewards of
the Masonic ship. My wife purchased a book titled, “How to Forgive, When You
Can’t” by Jim Dincalci and this book enlightened me to the power of
forgiveness. It is incumbent for us black Masons to take the necessary steps to
unify and move forward in the spirit of brotherly love and move away from these
sectarian disputes and arguments about who should be labeled clandestine or
regular Masons.
Fahim A. Knight-El Chief Researcher for KEEPING IT REAL
THINK TANK located in Durham , NC ; our
mission is to inform African Americans and all people of goodwill, of the
pending dangers that lie ahead; as well as decode the symbolism and
reinterpreted the hidden meanings behind those who operate as invisible forces,
but covertly rules the world. We are of the belief that an enlightened world
will be better prepared to throw off the shackles of ignorance and not be
willing participants for the slaughter. Our MOTTO is speaking truth to power.
Fahim A. Knight-EL can be reached at fahimknight@
yahoo.com.
Stay Awake Until We Meet Again,
36 comments:
I Agree with with you Bro. We cant come together for anything. Jones G Jones was a brother that had all the house in Masonry. it reminds me of Malcolm X movie, when Malcolm is doing the work of The Nation, and u got this guy in THE prophet ear saying Malcolm is taking over, Malcolm is being a benifit to himself. Just because he doing something u couldn't do. WE hate on one another all time. Its about power...PLUS u hit it on the head, u can forgive your white brother, but cant forgive your own...what was the charge of Jones G Jones, where are the trial proceedings. 100years of hatin each other...THIS IS NOT MASONRY. ITS COINTELL-PRO/DIVIDE AND CONQUER.
Plus Brother IF U EVER IN CHICAGO, IL...LOOK US UP. ENOCH LODGE #9 EVANSTON, IL. OUR HOME IS YOUR HOME.. I'M WM AMOS I'VE BEEN FOLLOWING YOUR POSTS FOR SOME TIME NOW. WE NEED BROTHERS LIKE U. I GET DOWN WITH PRINCE HALL BROTHERS ALL THE TIME WE BUILD, THEN THEY GO BACK TO THE LODGE, AND GOT SOME OLD BROTHER SAYING DON'T TALK TO THEM OR WE WILL SUSPEND YOU.....REALLY?
PEACE BROTHER KEEP DOING THE MOST HIGH WORK
Peace: Thank you for your kind words and openness. We as black Masons and people of African descent have to move beyond the Willie Lynch Syndrome. I will always stand in support of black Masonic unity and do what I can to build alliances and work to create a greater understanding between black Masons who are of different persuasions. We must move beyond these arguments that are related to three letters, four letters and five letters Masonic organizations and truly seek brotherly love and friendship. Thus, we must be willing to reach across the aisle and create constructive dialog with those Masonic organization that are long standing and truly follow the landmarks of Freemasonry. I also, know that there are some clandestine Masonic groups that are not worthy of recognition and we should not give them recognition. For example, John G. Jones Ancient Free and Accepted Masons have been around for over 100 years—I think it is past time to talk. Some may say 'Brother Knight-El you do not speak for all of Prince Hall Masons' but if I was making this same argument in support of us finding ways to unite with white Masons; I would be hailed as a great Masonic humanitarian. However, we were taught self-hatred for over 310 years and, although Chattel Slavery ended in 1865 and the physical chains were removed, but they imposed something much more confining and devastating, which was mental slavery (the enemies chained our minds and this has proven to more lasting than actually physical slavery). We all have an obligation as black Masons to create a new mental paradigm and prove to the up and coming generations that we broke the Willie Lynch Cycle. Brother Amos thank you for extending an invitation for me to visit Enoch Lodge #9.
Stay Awake Until We Meet Again,
Fahim A. Knight-El
Again, another tirade that holds no Masonic significance, because there will no amnesty, until JGJ group come to an honest view about their status as Masons.
Bro. Fahim speaks from a great hope, without substance as to the real implication of his proposal.
On the one hand he will admit he understands freemasonry from the stand point of why he himself DIDN'T join a JGJ faction, but in the same breath attempts to by pass proper protocol, and the option for them that is on the table as we speak.
While I appreciate his views and deem them his right to hold them, he speaks irrationally in the face of the more appropriate method of reconciliation.
May be one day we can sit and talk rather than attempt to place my name in a blog and attempt to discredit me for having my own views of your post.
Peace: Bro. Hairston lets first get the record straight on April 23, 2014, you posted a rebuttal on my Blog to an article that I had written titled, "John G. Jones: The Masonic Clandestine Argument, Just Will Not Go Away"; I did not seek you out, but based on you responding to my Thread you sought me out; and I am more than happy that you did because I think PHA Masons needed to have this conversation—I am a social critic and no doubt I write to agitate and to be provocative and hopefully to get people to start thinking outside of their comfort zones. Moreover, and I think that I had every right to challenge you and show the limitations and flaws in your argument. I thought you were more interested in debating the issue rather than trying simply and discredit my position because I did not join a John G. Jones Lodge. You are still missing my point I am for Black Masonic unity (this is one of my top priorities) and is willing to breakdown any artificial barriers that keeps us divided as Black Masons. Many of us Prince Hall Masons are only echoing sentiments expressed by our Grand Lodge Jurisdictions (which on this issue it has been negative and reactionary) and desire to be robots as opposed to being Free Thinkers who possess the ability to think critically and evaluate history from a detached perspective rather than being emotional, bias and subjective. I think it is time to write a new chapter in our Masonic history as Prince Hall Masons and not be fearful to rethink this one-hundred (100) year conflict with John G. Jones and devise a strategy that will allow open communication and extend an olive branch of brotherly love in order make every attempt to resolve this issue. It does not benefit Black Masons, in particular and Masons in general, to be in-fighting over who should be labeled clandestine and/or a regular body of Masons. I will admit this, and have always admitted this, that there are some clandestine Masonic orders which are undeserving to be legitimized by Prince Hall Masons because they do not have a recognized charter and have strayed from practicing the landmarks of Masonry. I think if we truly were practicing the principles of Masonry and understood the foundation of Speculative Masonry, it would be easy to study the symbolism of the Five Points of Fellowship and use it as a model to place the human dimension back into the equation. I still maintain that Jones did not commit an unpardonable sin. David of the Bible killed another man for his wife. But God did not forsake David and we must be willing to entertain forgiveness and free ourselves of the unwarranted social baggage and allow others to seek redemption in terms of liberating ourselves.
Stay Awake Until We Meet Again
Bro. Fahim A. Knight-El
Bro. FAHIM,
You stated that I write a REBUTTAL to your article. I can assure you that that wasn't the case. I gave an opinion on the topic. You will know when I write a REBUTTAL, because I will right in length concerning my opposition to particulars of your work.
Again, I applaud your optimism and hopes. I am reiterating the reality and implications of your proposal. You say that JGJ did not commit an unpardonable sin, which tells me that you obviously have a portion of the JGJ saga.
You may believe that JGJ was held in such disdain by PHA jurisdictions based on the acts he perpetrated against Illinois and Massachusetts, which ultimately led to his expulsion.
But, I have documented evidence of what he even committed against AFAM groups who supported him. JGJ was held in disdain by even his own followers for the money he duped his followers for, the Luxemborg lie, the Romanian Charter lie, as well as the Masonic crimes he committed against AFAM groups in Indiana, New York, Nebraska, Louisiana, etc.,
I believe you should revisit the story and get ALL OF THE FACTS, and then reevaluate your position in light of the full story, just an observation.
Again, let's first choose to DISCUSS the issue, then DEBATE, if you find the evidence and rational conclusions to be unsatisfactory. I can appreciate your zeal though.
Here is my contact information, if you want to get a look at what I have email me, and we can reason together.
I AM,
WB. John L. Hairston, Editor
The Quill and The Sword
johnhairston357@gmail.com
Peace: Brother Hairston this is the point that you are losing in this discussion, it's really not about my position on John G. Jones, but I am advocating ways to solidify black Masonic unity. I think you should know that I am fully aware of some of the charges and accusations that were made against Brother John G. Jones and some of them no doubt were inexcusable. But this brother has been deceased for very long time; yet, his Ancient Free and Accepted Masonic Order is still functioning and it appears that they are not going anywhere. I am very familiar with the Prince Hall site Commission on Bogus Freemasonry in which Brother Ezekiel Bey and his staff has complied a list of Bogus Grand Lodges. I respect my friend Ralph McNeal, Brother Emanuel Stanley and Brother Ezekiel Bey (and perhaps all of them would disagree with me on this issue, but I consider myself a trailblazer and a fighter for change). And there are others inside of Prince Hall Masonry that has written critiques of John G. Jones and I applaud their essays and commentaries as well. But that does not curtail me from pursuing a course of black Masonic unity—sorry good Brother, I am just very passionate about creating a Black United Front and we should not allow our social or political status to hinder this clarion call for unity in spite of our differences . Many of us so-called African Americans truly do not know or understand often our own church history and the internal historical frictions that brought many of these denominations into existences. It is a history of splits, divisions, renegades, betrayal and sometime it has included monetary theft, sexual improprieties, Deacons plotting to get the pastor ousted and host of other conducts that do not reflect what Christianity stands for (yet when the smoke clears and time passes—there becomes a time for forgiveness and we let ‘bygones be bygones’. Also, many of these renegade pastors were often forced out of the church governing body and associations because of unbecoming conduct—some would receive lifetime expulsions, suspensions, excommunication reprimands and/or other sanctions for violating church codes of conduct. I have personally witness renegade minister take half of the original church parishioners with them in some of these disputes. Thus, as long as there exist the human factor and element, it will always play out in the realm of human imperfection. These comments that you are making are shrouded in an Ego driven assessment and lack a true rational approach to how do we resolve this John G. Jones conflict and move forward in a progressive way? The problem as you stated has been well defined, but we are short on meaningful, real and tangible solutions.
Stay Awake Until We Meet Again,
Fahim A. Knight-El
Bro. Fahim,
Due to the inability to respond at length, I have responded to your comment on my own blog, I leave the link here...
http://quillandsword357.blogspot.com/2014/05/response-to-bro-fahim-knight-el.html
I AM,
WB John L. Hairston, Editor
The Quill and The Sword
Peace: Brother Hairston, I did read your rebuttal on your Quill and Sword Blog site. I appreciate you giving me a complete response, but your dissecting of my words left a lot to be desired. Let me first bring this much to your attention relative to the role race has played in American Freemasonry. I agree with this much of your commentary Freemasonry was founded on the universal principles of brotherhood regardless of race, color, creed and/or ones religious affiliations. But may be you unintentionally overlooked the fact that Prince Hall, the founder of Black Freemasonry who established Lodge # 459 and African Lodge # 1 was established because white Masons denied him and other Masons of African descent the right to petition and join white American style Scottish Rite Lodges within the United States of America. This forced the abolitionist and freedom fighter Hall to establish an all Black Masonic Order that functioned sovereign and independent of their white Masonic counterparts (this represented black pride and stood as a symbol of Black Nationalism). It actually could be looked at as one of the earliest Black separatist movement in America prior to Paul Cuffee, Martin Delaney, Marcus Garvey, Bishop Henry McNeal Turner, etc. White racism and white supremacy had little to no respect for the universal tenets and principles in which Freemasonry was supposed to rest upon—morality, friendship and brotherly love. There were a number of legal court battles where white Masons sued and took Prince Hall Masons to court for daring to have the audacity to wear Masonic regalia and publically display the Masonic Square and Compass in venues. Moreover, Prince Hall's white Masonic brethren said Black Masons had no right to legally display any Masonic symbols because Prince Hall Masons were considered clandestine and irregular Masons and this so-called status compromised their right to exist under the banner of a Freemasonry organization and entity (just take a moment and read the history of the Shriners Jubilee Day) . So it was White Nationalism that drove this divisiveness (Jim Crow was initiated with the 1896 Supreme Court decision of Plessy vs. Ferguson where the high court ruled that it was legal to practice segregation and discrimination and it was not until 1954 with Brown vs. Board of Education decision overturned the Plessy decision and declared separate but equal as being unconstitutional). The white Masons ignored the social consciousness of our jurisprudence system as it was litigated in the U.S. Supreme Court and continued for decades to practice institutionalized racism against so-called African American Masons. But you are accusing me of injecting race into the Freemasonic equation and you are conveniently overlooking the fact that for over 200 years Black Masons and White Masons could not have interchangeable lodge visitations because white Grand Lodges in the United States did not officially recognize Prince Hall Masonry. Now, this is not to say, that there have not been over the years some integrated Masonic Lodges in the United States of America where black and white Masons co-existed; these instances prior to 20 years ago were more of the exception rather than the rule. For example, in my Masonic Jurisdiction of North Carolina, it was just 6 years ago that after 138 years of racist segregation that North Carolina white Masons finally passed a decree recognizing Prince Hall Masonry as a regular body of Masons. So, my brother race has always played a very high and prominent role in American Freemasonry. I believe that there are still 9 states that still will not allow a black Mason to enter their Blue Lodges, Shrine Temples, consistory, etc. My position on Black Masonic unity has plenty of merit.
Stay Awake Until We Meet Again,
Fahim A. Knight-El
Bro. Fahim EL
My response to your post is here on my blog:
http://quillandsword357.blogspot.com/2014/05/response-to-fahim-el-part-2.html
Please read the content and contemplate...
I AM
WB John L. Hairston, Editor
The Quill and The Sword
Peace: Brother Hairston all of your arguments and contentions in some form or fashion I have dealt with similar arguments within the last ten years. Most of you all echo the same exact argument, which ultimately is the official line of Prince Hall Masonry. I have always been an outside the box thinker, writer and research. However, I reject your subtle attack on my character relative to my ability to put forth factual information and documentation; trust me I am not new at this. Allen Roberts perhaps is one of best modern day Freemasonry scholars and Masonic intellectual who authored the book titled, “The Craft and its Symbols: Opening the Door of Masonic Symbolism” stated, “In actuality, you have also told your brethren that they can count on you to stretch forth your hand to keep them from falling. You have offered them your strength, your ability, your knowledge when they need it. There are no reservations. It matters not whether the aid they need is mental, physical, or monetary. Your promise contains no ‘buts’. When a brother is in danger of any kind, it is your duty to advise him of his impending peril. In doing so, you must remember that it is not your ‘plumb line’ that judge him, but by his. And it is his Square and his Level, not yours, by which you are to determine his actions. His opinions may differ from yours politically and religiously, but they are his tools, not yours. WHEN HE GOES ASTRAY FROM THE PRINICPLES, THEN AND THEN ONLY, SHOULD YOU QUITELY REMIND THAT HE IS IN ERROR. THEN SHOULD ASSIST HIM TO FIND THE RIGHT TRACK FOR HIM TO FOLLOW.”
White Freemasonry has not only gone astray, it is in violation of the principled language that defines brotherhood. Webster’s Dictionary defines brother as being “One closely united with another or others by religious, political, or family bond”. What happen to the belief in the Cardinal Virtues of Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice? Perhaps in the dynamics of race these words have very little meaning to the white Masonic body when it comes to their dark skinned Masonic Brothers. This argument is not about Prince Hall Masons being classified by Ancient Free and Accepted Masons as “irregular” or “clandestine”, it is convenient to hide behind such accusations, but what truly drives this fraternal division more than anything else is racism. Masons are taught how to communicate with a fellow Mason in darkness and light based on the language of symbolism—a word (the being able to verbalize the passwords), sign (give the due guard), token (being able to give the grip) let me stop right there; IS THERE NO HELP FOR THE POOR WIDOW'S SON?
But this social phenomenal and antagonistic contradiction between black Masons and white Masons is steeped in a perhaps much larger historical debate of race in America and the culture that evolved out of Chattel Slavery (1555-1865) impacting the political, economic and social reality of race relations and affected how institutions were originated, as well as the formulation of group dynamics ideology. Dr. Asa Hilliard who authored book titled, “Reawakening of the African Mind” stated, “mental bondage is invisible violence. Formal physical slavery has ended in the United States. Mental slavery continues to this present day. This slavery affects the minds of all people and, in one way, it is worst than physical slavery alone. That is, the person who is in mental bondage will self-contained. Not only will that person fail to challenge beliefs and patterns of thought which control him, he will defend and protect those beliefs and patterns of thought virtually with his last dying effort.” NOTE THIS COMMENT WILL HAVE A CONTINUATION.
Continuation to my response to Bro. Hairston: Sherrod N. Gresham in his book titled, “Prominent Prince Hall Masons on the Philatelic Materials: Stamps, First Day Covers, and Post Cards” stated, “On March 2, 1784, African Lodge #1 petitioned the Grand Lodge of England, the Premier or Mother Grand Lodge of the world, for a warrant (ort character), to organize a regular Masonic lodge, with all the rights and privileges thereunto prescribed. The Grand Lodge of England issued a character on September 29, 1784, to African Lodge # 459, the first lodge of blacks in America.” Black Masonry, for the most part, has accepted the racist practices of white masons in a passive manner. But black Freemasonry as an institution, will be called upon to be more vocal outwardly in the black community and move away from a tradition of apolitical and a non-engagement stance while the social issues are mounting in the black community and in reality there is no room for silence.
Prince Hall, a free black man of Boston, Massachusetts was initiated and raised as a master mason by a traveling British Military lodge in 1775 along with fifteen other free black men. In addition, Prince Hall received an official and legitimate Masonic Charter from the Grand lodge of England on September 29, 1784, which led to the establishing of African lodge Number 459. The United States Supreme Court on June 23, 1929 handed down a decision, which guaranteed that Prince Hall Masons and Shriners had all the rights as a fraternity to appear in public, and in private to practice the time honored traditions of Masonry.
The “News Quarterly”, which is the official publication of the United Supreme Council 33 Degree Prince Hall Affiliated, its Editor-in-Chief Joseph Walkes stated, “prior to 1914 and even up to 1918, both white and black fraternities had established local lodges and local Shrine Temples in several cities and states. In some instances they were established in the same cities, namely Dallas, El-Paso, and Houston. In 1914, White Masons in five Southern States; Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas, attempted to stop the practice of masonry by Prince Hall Masons and Prince Hall Shriners, as legitimate fraternal bodies in the United States. The White group appeared in a Texas court and entered a lawsuit against blacks, charging that they had no legitimate right to display Masonic or Shrine emblems in private or public, or call themselves Prince Hall Masons, Shriners, or anything else”
The above historical facts should serve as evidence which to dismantle the question of whether or not Prince Hall Freemasonry should be designated and viewed by white Masons as “irregular”; thus, there is enough historical documentation that suggest that these African-American Masons did received a legitimate and authentic charter from the Grand Lodge of England. Now! I am quite sure this argument has been presented over and over again, to the white Grand Lodges of the United States, but to little or no avail. Racism is a mindset that considers black people as a group as being inferior to whites because of physical (‘genotypical’ and ‘phenotypical’) traits. The racist further believes that these physical traits are detriments of social behavior and moral or intellectual qualities, and ultimately presumes that this inferiority is a legitimate basis for inferior social treatment of black people in society.
Stay Awake Until We Meet Again,
Fahim A. Knight-El
Bro. Fahim El
I will be responding to this response, as I find that your are now getting away from the topic at hand. Your post begins with a proposal to offer amnesty to JGJ group for the mere reason of "black masonic unity", and now you want to debate whether "white masons" are honoring the principles of Freemasonry, this is called, diversion in scholarly circles. Focus my brother, we are still talking about your proposal.
White Masons will have NOTHING TO WITH THE AMNESTY (which there never will be any) GIVEN TO JGJ. So why all of a sudden are you preaching to me about race relations?
But, nevertheless, I will address your comments line for line and show that reversed racism or black nationalism is incompatible with Freemasonry, and it just serves to divide humanity.
I AM,
WB John L. Hairston, Editor
The Quill and The Sword
Let me also add that it is hypocritical to ask me or PHA lodges NOT to JUDGE JGJ groups based on the past sins of JGJ, but you are doing the EXACT SAME THING TO WHITE MASON; blaming the Masons today for the past sins of their Fathers and Grand Fathers.
I just wanted to point that out, we will go into this further in my response...
Peace: Brother Hairston, now, you sound a bit emotional; let me take you back to my initial premise and what got us on the questing of race relative to Freemasonry and the United States and the question of Brother John G. Jones and Ancient Free and Accepted Masonry. I have said consistently and throughout this debate and have written numerous pieces on my Blog advocating Black Masonic unity. So if you were to read objectively my work—most of my writings have an African Centered basis that is steeped in nationalism and cultural nationalism. I make no apology for this position. What’s hypocritical is for Prince Hall Masons to embrace the racist and white confederate Masons in the United States of America as their brothers (overlooking their past un-Masonic history and conduct towards Prince Hall Masons and we have found ways to ease the social and political tension), but will not extended an olive branch to another black man who was raised and went through all the Masonic Houses and no doubt was once a Prince Hall Affiliated Mason in good standings. The history of Jones is clear and we all know that he was expelled and/or suspended for various conducts that went against our constitution and/or PHA Masonry code book (this much I agree with the argument and this history has been well documented). But if Negroes can forgive their former slave master’s children for committing crimes against humanity (slavery was a crime against humanity) in which there were no other crime in the Americas like the effect of the Transatlantic Slave, Middle Passage and Chattel Slavery, it lasted for 310 years. And we forgave them for these heinous or horrid crimes. No, John G. Jones did kill over 100 million Africans, separated black families, unmerciful raped our women—stripe us of our God (surely the Christianity and the white Jesus that you teach and pray to were given to you by our former slave masters), took our names, culture, tradition, folkways, mores and made us into Negroes. There was nothing Brother John G. Jones did in this dispute that amounts to the crimes that the white American task makers and colonial masters put on people of African decent. Yet, in our Willie Lynch mindset we have forgiving those who committed, perhaps one of the greatest atrocity to found any place in human history. Yes, amnesty and exoneration, and forgiveness should be top priority in assessing and evaluating John G. Jones linage Freemasonry. We cannot change the history that has already been written, but could objectively come to the table and reach across the aisle in spirit of brotherly love and resolve this over 100 year dispute and move forward in the spirit of black Masonic unity. No, my premise is the same, I do not have to use diversionary tactics to show and demonstrate who position is flawed and it will lend itself to the real hypocrite having to stand up. I have no respect for the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) who we have sought for over two centuries—working and fighting to obtained recognition from European Masonic entities is a disgrace and a shame in the eyes of our ancestors. We in the 21st century, a so-called free people still seeking approval from white people, it represents a despicable act. I am will take on all the PHA Grand Masters on this issue and I will defeat all of them because my position is rooted in the universal order of good and the universe is using me as its vessel. Also, send me all the PHA scholars my way as well and I will intellectual handcuff them as well.
Stay Awake Until We Meet Again,
Fahim A. Knight-El
Bro Fahim
My response is located here:
http://quillandsword357.blogspot.com/2014/05/response-to-bro-fahim-knight-el-part-3.html
I think you may have over extended you capability a bit, but it was amusing...
I AM
WB John L. Hairston, Editor
The Quill and The Sword
Peace: Brother Hairston: This is the fundamental question that Brother Hairston keeps avoiding. Who gave the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) their charter? (please answer this question for my audience) And what standards are you using to determine who should be considered ‘regular’ or ‘irregular’ Masons? This is a rhetorical question because I already know the answer; the only standard that you have at your disposal in determining a ‘competent jurisdiction’ is that which those can trace their Masonic charters back to white folk in England (Negroes always need an affirmation from master) and we allow them function and act as supreme authority and determinist over the legality of Masons to be viewed as a ‘regular’ or ‘irregular’ Masonic entity. Here is the contradiction, why weren’t the white Masons charged with un-Masonic conduct unless you consider racism and white supremacy as upstanding and acceptable principles in Masonry? Now, for the record within the English language and Lexicon amnesty is a form of forgiveness contrary to your assessment (I thought I would bring this to your attention). We as Prince Hall Masons after 200 years of being denied full Masonic rights and privileges we forgave them (let me say White Folk) and thought that it was important to be accepted and recognized by our 400 year old oppressor. John Jones did not commit the type of atrocities that you all forgave white Masons for, but when it comes to another Black man and Mason you would like impose a double standard. This represents the epitome of Masonic hypocrisy. You also subtlety questioned whether or not I am a Prince Hall Mason, I am member Doric Lodge # 28 PHA; Durham, NC located within 24th Masonic District (my membership can be verified and I am quite sure it has already been verified by you) and for record I am not hiding or ducking I stand by every word that I have stated. What is bothering you, perhaps in your mind, is how in the hell a PHA Mason has learned to think for himself (for the record I have been a Free Thinker for a very long time—I do not look for the Grand Lodge to think for me). I think you alluded to notion that I have bitten off more than I can handle (perhaps you do not know me, but this is what I do). Please give me some new information on the John Jones issue other than parroting what others have said (it is almost like you guys are reading from a script and are fearful of deviating from the official version). My position is and will always be rooted in Black Masonic unity and there is nothing you and no one else can do to change my perspective. Let me reiterate my position; I think Black Masonic entities such as the one founded by John G. Jones should be allowed to enter into an acceptable and agreeable covenant with Prince Hall Masonry (our U.S. Commander-in-Chief and even prior Commander-in-Chiefs engaged their foreign enemies in talk diplomacy—USSR, Cuba, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, China, North Korea, etc., and diplomatic treaties and accords are/were established). This is done on the highest level of international relations—enemies coming to the table to talk about their political, economic and social differences, but are willing to find common ground to move forward in lieu of peace. Your position truly lacks logic and reasoning; we should always exemplify the best in intelligence and use our principles in Masonry to breakdown artificial barriers and not find it conveniently to erect more ideological or philosophical barriers.
Stay Awake Until We Meet Again,
Fahim A. Knight-El
Brother Fahim El:
I have responded to you on my Blog here:
http://quillandsword357.blogspot.com/2014/05/response-to-fahim-knight-el-part-4.html
I AM
WB John L. Hairston, Editor
The Quill and The Sword
Peace: Brother Hairston, you finally admitted openly that no one gave the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) a charter to function and operate as an independent and sovereign body of Masons; thus, they like all other self-determining people in history declared themselves the right to invest in the ancient and modern forms of Freemasonry by implementing and establishing their own Masonic edit and therefore laying the foundation for others to follow. Perhaps since no and/or 'competent Masonic Jurisdiction' issued them a Masonic Warrant, Charter or Dispensation to function in a legal Masonic capacity, then any charters and warrants that followed (meaning those issued by the UGLE) would be considered irregular. Now, I think that you are smart enough to read between the lines. But I also know that our acceptance of this illegal duplicity is rooted in a much deeper psychosis, which is mis-eduction and self-hatred--this always allows us to give Europeans and their culture a free pass. So No other Masonic entity had the right to do exactly what the United Grand Lodge of England did, if you understand what deductive reasoning is either you would objectively conclude that England had every right to establish itself as a 'competent Masonic' jurisdiction or what they set-up by mere reasoning is illegal or legal in which affords others this same Masonic right and privilege. But not only this, the UGLE would eventually impose their Masonic will the world over. No, speak for yourself, I do not practice nor follow the tenets of the UGLE or any other European Masonic body; my good brother, once I accepted the knowledge of self, it was clear that what so-called African American Masons were following was distorted and a perverted version of Masonry and I truly desired to look to the East and at least investigate the Ancient schools of thought that evolved in Ancient Kemet that predated learning and initiation long before the Caucasian exited the Hills and Caves sides of Europe. You are literally following a baby on the planet who has only been in existing a little over 6,000 years and in your response you desire to downplay the citadel of all knowledge which is Kemet. This much has been thoroughly verified by Chelkh Anta Diop and Yosef Ben Jochannan and many of our revolutionary scholars. I do give you credit we are making some baby steps the in fact that you did acknowledge and admit that no one gave the Europeans their charter in 1717 (this is huge and this admittance deflates the premise and foundation that your argument rest). This in my opinion, is much bigger than John G. Jones and his lodges, it really sets a legal precedents for other non-Prince Hall Masons to use their own sovereign authority and power to establish and create their own Masonic reality. Let me set the record straight because I know the mindset of zealots; it would be a total a distortion and misnomer for anyone to suggest that Brother Knight-El, a Prince Hall Mason supports clandestine Masonry (no I am given you and others a lesson in critical thinking) and it is an outright lie for anyone to leave this conversation with that assertion. I do advocate Black Masonic unity above all else and I also believe in talk diplomacy with other non-Prince Hall jurisdictions and perhaps we could find some common ground. I think it is very much immature to tell a Masonic organization such as Ancient Free and Accepted Masonry (John G. Jones this group is over 100 years old) the only option is to come before the PHA alter and be "Healed" for some they might find this to be a reasonable option and even I might in some instances a agree with this stringent mandate, but what about those who are comfortable with being an upright man in the space which now they presently occupy. I have a lot more to say.
Stay Awake Until We Meet Again,
Fahim A. Knight-El
Bro. Fahim,
I have responded to this recent comment here:
http://quillandsword357.blogspot.com/2014/05/response-to-fahim-el.html
This will be my last post, as you continue to show a consistent lack of understanding Freemasonry, and you will not use an open mind to actually hold a relevant position in the debate.
I would suggest that you get a few books on Masonic History, and then reevaluate your contentions...Make a few more of your meetings would also help.
I AM
WB John L. Hairston, Editor
The Quill and The Sword
Peace: Brother Hairston, let me first sincerely thank you for this insightful debate; it represented that we were on opposite ends of the pole, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. I respect your right and desire to end this debate in which the only victory would be if we both said enough and represented our positions to the best of our intellectual ability and allow others to decide where the truth lie. But before we close this debate let me correct you when it comes to Freemasonry; there is no compulsion when it comes to a Masonic Brother who is in good standings to be obligated to do anything. Thus, this includes a brother having the right to attend every communication or none—this should not be held against a Masonic Brother who is in good standings and therefore all of the Masonic rights and privileges should be his. Now, my brother that is typical Freemasonry etiquette and we serve at the pleasure of our right to remain in good standings. Yeshuaa Ben Yosef (Jesus the son of Joseph) instructed us that the temple of God is within—no physical structure has the ability to determine intelligence or our level of humanity. Thus, often attending meetings, perhaps only makes us good ritual Masons, but my focus is delving into Speculative Masonry and this is what separates me from most Prince Hall Masons, in particular and Masons in general. I am not to ego driven and arrogant that I cannot learn, but I am not impressed with ones appendant Masonic bodies affiliations or one’s title; I am equally not impressed with how many Masonic Houses that one belongs, but what impresses me is the level of ones knowledge and most of all the level of their humanity (this is the only criteria that I have found relevant in my Masonic travels). You falsely have accused me of being a threat to ‘regular’ Masonry because of my opinions and views, but if you truly understood Speculative Masonry (philosophical Masonry) this science allows us to explore a diverse spectrum of ideas and schools of thought and we should not limit ourselves to this expansive ideological field of Masonry. But what becomes dangerous to Freemasonry is when we stop allowing others the right to disagree and intelligently cite their disagreement even if it’s opposite of the popular version of the truth. There is no room for censorship or censuring just because a Brother Mason takes the antithesis position in a debate in order to bring balance and clarity and even point out positions that might be flawed and/or in some cases have proven to be valid. I do not put out disclaimers, I vehemently standby every word that I have written to you in this debate. You see good brother, I am not a coward and I only have to answer to the Supreme Deity and not man. Truly a man should be judged by his works, deeds and actions. The principles of Democracy looms high in Freemasonry and it is this principle that allows us the right to exercise a sense of Masonic freedoms—we learned very early that there were two subjects that was not allowed to be discussed in open lodge, which was religion and politics. I think if you look at how the United Grand Lodge of England was established and if you got away for a moment from you personal biases relative to how the UGLE was initially formulated, it would be easy to detect a Eurocentric form of absolutism and no one else has the right exercise a form of Masonic self-determination—this is ludicrous. I pity those who accept this as a golden rule.
Stay Awake Until Meet Again,
Fahim A. Knight-El
Bro. Fahim El,
You're welcome.
I don't believe in censure either, but if the views you espouse come without regard to substance or accuracy, then there is a need to give that voice time to mature in the development and stability of research, actual research not a read and form by biased opinion.
I think that we have said enough for those who have listen can make a determination on what is truly Masonic and what is a closed and narrow view cloaked as Freemasonry.
Speculative freemasonry doesn't allow for the exploration of spectrum of ideas to be marred by personal bias and nationalism in any form.
I just hope that you will learn more about freemasonry before you begin to attempt a version of its presentation, without that you do Freemasonry a great disservice.
I AM
WB John L. Hairston, Editor
The Quill and the Sword
Peace: Bro. Hairston, thank you again for the comment. Perhaps you have not surfed and investigated my Blog. I have written tens of articles on Freemasonry and is more than capable of discussing every facet of this ancient philosophy. However, what distinguishes me from other Prince Hall writers and scholars is that I have acquired the knowledge of self. And I do not look to European Freemasonry to guide me nor my thinking. The Black man is the original man (world's best keep secret he is god) and all knowledge sprung from the cradle of civilization, which is Africa. What I found to be greatest threat to Freemasonry is the level of ignorance and the lack of tolerance. I am student of Masonry and I feel compel to bust up the Willie Lynch thinking and behavior that exist amongst so-called 'Negro' Masonry. I feel equally compel to challenge the slave mentality that exist amongst some of us who proclaim to be Masons. Freemasonry is a system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. Lastly, my humanity will not allow me to deny and dismiss other Masonic entities based on them being four letters or five letters. Let common sense prevail and perhaps level heads will eventually come to the understanding that Black Masonic unity would only strengthen Masonry and not tear it apart.
Stay Awake Until We Meet Again,
Fahim A. Knight-El
PEACE BRO. KNIGHT EL....I see its hard to even suggest coming together as black Masons. Again and again u made the point about UGLE and racism in this country. The 300 plus years of them Killing our leader, our family and our culture. But this Brother is like forget all that, they accept me now as an Prince Hall Mason. THE UGLE still don't accept all PHA Grand Lodges. Its a shame that when u even bring up the idea of working together masonically, The venom that comes out, like John G Jones killed everyone in there family. Yes he was expelled, and charges were brought up by the Grand Lodge. but u talking about 100yrs ago, and the lodges he set up are still functioning. So Bro u right, this is just a broken record repeated over and over again. But like u said in the earlier post, If u was saying lets join together in the white lodges, u will be a hero. I just dont understand the hatred, YES WILLIE LYNCH disease is alive and well. These people dont want us together, it wouldn't suprise me if we had some COINTELPRO going on to keep us separated....
Travel Light Bro...May the MOST HIGH BLESS U.
Peace: Thank you good brother for these words of wisdom. I think Brother Hairston refuses to show any objectivity on the matter. He like many other PHA Masons are stuck on following the rules and edit of the UGLE. I am sorry, I do not personally recognize UGLE as the supreme and sovereign authority over black Freemasonry. But I guess, if you are white and Caucasian you have the right to exercise self-determination and in 1717 declared themselves the authority to formulate and organize what eventually became the first Grand Lodge of England. England and most European nations cannot serve me as the moral example of what Freemasonry is supposed to stand for because of their past anti-African involvement in the TransAtlantic Slave Trade. Thus, in my eyes along with their Babylon (Baby-London) United States of America partners they have violated the true tenets of Masonry, which is rooted in equality, justice, brotherly love and is guaranteed to all Free-men who of is a man and is of lawful age and decided upon himself to take this step of his own freewill and accord. His race should not be a factor and in the 1700s our first Grand Master Prince Hall's race should not have disallowed him for being afforded the rights to rein over African Lodge #1 because he had a so-called legitimate charter. It took these racist over 200 years to disband and do away with practicing Masonic racism and it was inexcusable and without Masonic merit that Prince Hall Masonry had to linger in obscurity and wore the unholy label of being ‘clandestine’ and ‘irregular’ by their white Masonic counterparts. This is what I have detested more than anything else and PHA might even chose to suspend me and/or expel me, but I will not back down from this contention. We have always thought that we needed white folk to authorize us. I pity the so-called American 'Negro' and his present day slave mentality. Truly free people do not look for other civilized people to lead them. So get up Hiram Abiff from that blow to the head and go back to the trestle board and shine as the true fathers and mothers of civilization.
Stay Awake Until We Meet Again,
Fahim A. Knight-El
Bro. Knight thank u for your work. U know if u go on this brothers blog, it makes it look like u crazy. For instance, u let him write without breaking up his points. He broke up all your points, which it seems like u didn't have anything to say on his blog. Look nobody know the truth about what happen. I love how they got all this hate for. John Jones, but they still accept his higher houses degrees. Plus for him to say John G Jones was worst then the White Slave Masters!!!!...he lost me right
there. WE ARE TRULY BROKEN IF A BLACK MASON STATES THAT. WOW.
Peace: Good Brother, yes I agree with you what he did was to take selected portions of my words and post them totally out of context to boaster his argument and position. I have a lot experience with that type debating on other forums. Brother Hairston's argument is an old one, but what I was trying to do, was to inject life into the John G. Jones debate hoping and praying that a civil debate could be pursued and may be my Brothers on the PHA side would take an objective second look at this over 100 year old dispute and allow level heads to prevail. I will always advocate and support Black Masonic unity.
Stay Awake Until We Meet Again,
Fahim A. Knight-El
Peace Brother Knight. This is crazy. After reading this i truly think these guys are brainwashed. Now u made some great points, but consider this. THE STATE OF FLORIDA. U GOT THE SO-CALLED MAINSTREAM AND PHA. Now the MS don't recognise PHA and call the whole body bogus, irregular. We get that. Now we all happy that the North states recognise each other and say we work together. But i bet u the MS masons in NY CAN GO TO FLORIDA AND GET IN A LODGE, PHA OF NY CAN'T. WHY DON'T THE MS LODGES THAT RECOGNISE PHA WRITE A RESOLUTION TO FLORIDA SAYING IF U DON'T RECOGNISE PHA, WE NOT GOING TO RECOGNISE THE STATE OF FLORIDA ANYMORE. U THINK THAT WILL HAPPEN??? HELL NO, BECAUSE THEY STICK TOGETHER NO MATTER WHAT. PLUS THEY KNOW ITS WRONG BUT WON'T SAY ANYTHING. SO THIS WE ALL TOGETHER FANTASY NEEDS TO STOP. BECAUSE IF THE MS LODGES WAS SERIOUS ABOUT PRINCE HALL MASONS, ALL 50 STATES WOULD BE TOGETHER. IN FLORIDA ITS A SHAME. BUT MUST OF OUR PHA BROTHERS LET THAT SLIDE. LETS JUST KEEP KICKING OUR BROTHERS IN THE BACK.
ITS A SICKNESS. SORRY FOR THE CAPS BUT IT KILLS ME.
THANK U FOR YOUR TIME BRO. KNIGHT.
MAY THE MOST HIGH BLESS U.
Bro.Knight, you are so right on so many things, I have a question for you though. What if you are a young brother trying to get into a so called recogonized lodge, but you do not want to join a PHA lodge, so you petition a so called recognized lodge and you are turned down because of your skin color(which is BS but they dont tell you in so many words but that's what it is) and they try to steer you to a PHA lodge. Now am I to believe that that their are only 2 choices I he can make to become a mason? Now I asked Charles Harper this same question and he told me yes, I told him that he has lost his mind. Honestly this regular verses irregular mess has gotten out of hand. Why is the UGLE the so called lodge of lodges. Eevn on their website they sayand I quote "The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) is the governing body of Freemasonry in England, Wales and the Channel Islands." Ok where in that statement does it say anything about America. Brother you blogs refreshing(finally a PHA brother who isnt afraid to speak his mind adn stand by it.)I am a JGJ mason in NC (United Grand Lodge of NC) and I have seen a lot faults with both organizations, but enough is enough. This mess takes the fun and enjoyment out of masonry for me. Thank you though brother for the TRUTH you bring into your blogs on this issues, I'm Bro Conrad Taylor and feel free to hit me up anytime (contaylor@gmail.com)Peace and blessings.
Peace: Brother Taylor: firstly, we must understand that in an ideal Masonic world race, color, or creed would not matter and every petition should be investigated and accepted or denied on its own merit of the applicant/potential candidate who is seeking membership. Race should never be a factor in determining whether or not a Masonic petition is accepted or denied (ones character should be the standard bearer), but in the United States of America, a country that was built on racism and white supremacy this has somewhat muddied the Masonic waters. Moreover, this led to American style Freemasonry being built and sustained on racist principles in which most white 'regular' Masonic lodges openly practiced segregation and discrimination against blacks/African Americans (they were often denied membership in white lodges because of race), in particular blacks who sought to join Grand Lodge Masonic Jurisdictions that had a majority white membership. In my jurisdiction of North Carolina, it took the white Masons 236 years to fully recognize and accept the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of North Carolina as a 'legitimate' and 'regular' body of Freemasons. Their racist position reflected a gross violation in the principles and the moral standards that governs the universal brotherhood of Freemasonry, which is rooted in morality, friendship and brotherly love (even as I write this response there are still perhaps 9 southern Confederate States that still consider PHA as a clandestine group of Masons). A Free man and of law age was the only initial requirement and perquisite to becoming a Mason---not race and ethnicity. But make no mistake about it, I am a Black Nationalist Prince Hall Mason and this is what separates me from other PHA Masons. I think each potential Masonic candidate has a choice to choose whatever branch of Masonry they desire and I am not against John G. Jones Ancient Free and Accepted Masonry--I do think there should be more dialog between the two Masonic entities and yet I believe each Masonic linage has a right to explain, defend and prove their charter and this not to say after these dialogs that we all are going to agree on the question of 'regularity' and 'legitimacy'. However, I am for black Masonic unity and in the best interest of Masonry we should move forward.
Stay Awake Until We Meet Again,
Bro. Fahim A. Knight-El
Fantastic article!
Thank you Inspector33
Bro. Fahim A. Knight-El
Brother Fahim I would like to bring to your attention that after JgJ first suspension there's no record of him going to his blue house meetings according to Masonic jurisprudence it states I quote if a brother is not in attendance an hasn't paid his dues in a year he must be taken off the roll why u think JgJ was on the roll two years when his mark an no dues was present
Peace Son of heaven it is 2020 and your position still stands strong
Peace: Thank you for your kind words. Yes, we stand on truth, and truth never loses its relevance, it will always with stand the test of time.
Bro. Fahim A. Knight-El
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