The Universal Language of Freemasonry - ArchiMeD - Johannes ...

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Chapter 3 - Overview of Rites
Concluding, we can say that by claiming Masonic history as their own, the
black Masons have achieved a special status in society. Of course, this is mainly
a psychological phenomenon, since it cannot be expected from white Masons to
agree with the black Masons' interpretation. However, it has given the blacks a
positive heritage, something to be proud of, since Masonry is considered a haven
of freedom and liberty of thought and speech, as well as of democratic and
cultural values. This new pride helps black middle-class Masons to overcome
their slave past and see themselves as worthy individuals in modern society.
Prince Hall Masonry is characteristic of the black middle class. There are other,
more aggressive associations that have tried to do the same for the black third
class:
Because of these psychological effects, the institution of Masonry has
done for the black middle class in a moderate way what the heterodox
religious cults have done for the black lower class - cults like the Black
Muslims, the Black Jews or Father Divine's movement. Both perform
the important role of stripping their adherents of their slave past and
giving them a new identity and sense of self-respect (sometimes to the
extent of giving them a new name); and providing a philosophy-history
that explains their past (which is glorious), their present (which is
meaningful and pregnant with prospects), and their future (which is
apocalyptic and millennial), and which foresees the black man
inheriting the earth. 266
3.3.3 Black Masonic Self-Definition
The extent to which the black Masons adapt white Masonry, including its
most racist features, is astonishing. Black Masons want to earn the recognition of
their white brethren, whatever it may cost. They even continue to use as legal
texts the antiquated, politically incorrect, and fundamentally racist writings of
white Masons. One of the most widely and highly respected white Masonic
authorities is Albert Mackey, the author of the dictionary we have quoted so
often in this dissertation. Mackey was an "antebellum Charleston gentleman who
believed in the innate inferiority of Negroes and the absolute ineligibility of
blacks to join the Order" 267 , who explicitly states his view of the race question in
his books. However, the great importance of Mackey for understanding Masonic
law makes it impossible for black Masons not to refer to his works - even if they
are confronted with a long-standing undercurrent of hostility and racial
prejudice.
266 Muraskin, p. 199.
267 Ibid, p. 215.