Why are blacks not allowed to become true freemasons?

Me and friends had a long conversation with a high ranking black mason. he told what was needed to become a black mason he said "you must be a christen and your wife has to agree with you becoming a mason". and then he told us that white masons were allowed in black lodges but blacks were not allowed in white lodges. he told us blacks could become free and accepted masons but not true freemasons.i know there are plenty on masons on this site are any willing to answer this question?

There are clearly different levels of the Mason's.

The Freemasons on ATS are good people who serve their community.

I seriously doubt they do not have black membership.

Now Black Mason's at the highest level of their organization? No idea...

whyamIhere
There are clearly different levels of the Mason's.

The Freemasons on ATS are good people who serve their community.

I seriously doubt they do not have black membership.

Now Black Mason's at the highest level of their organization? No idea...

hate to be rude. but if you don't know the answer and you just want to defend others honor then don't bother. i know this is a rule and i want to hear from the masons why its this way.

reply to post by duesprimusvictorimmortali


It depends on where you are at. In the deep south, there is still some racial tension that keeps some lodges segregated, but in the spirit of true freemasonry, all men are regarded for their inner qualities and not their external qualities. So if you wanted to cause a big stir, you could point out the amazing hippocricy to the brethren.

In most states color is not looked at for admittance into a lodge.

As with Eastern NC, a black man would be told he might "fit in" better with a Prince Hall lodge.

Sometimes people just aren't smart enough to get past the problems of 200 years ago.

I'm saying you are wrong.

I am the last person to defend their " honer".

Especially, since I don't know what the hell honer even means.

reply to post by network dude


he told us it was like this everywhere not only in the south. i understand what your saying though. but it still doesn't answer the question.

reply to post by whyamIhere


if you dont know the answer to the question dont speak for those who do.

all I know is that my father was asked to join the lodge and after a meeting he point blank called them racists and said he wanted no part of it. he didn't specifically say what lead him to that conclusion, i'm just telling you what he told me.

I think I'll be very interested to hear more from the actual Masons we have at ATS, if one decides to chime in here.

I'm really curious on this myself. I learned far too late in life to matter, my Grandfather had reached the top of that world as a Mason. He was just so absolute about isolating that part of his life in general (At least from me), I first learned of it when the Masons arrived at his Funeral to conduct their special part of the services.

I can say he was about as racist as anyone you'd want to encounter ..but in a passive way. I mean, I never heard a slur or bad sentiment cross his lips ...but I also never saw him work with, socialize with or be in the same room with non-whites if he could help it.

Then again...He almost disowned my Father when learning he was marrying a nice Catholic girl. lol... different people ..different generation entirely I suppose. I'm curious how much of his passive self-segregation attitude may have dovetailed with his life spent in the Masons...if any.

I know a a half dozen masons. I don't know if they have black members at the masons in the town but there are very few black people around here. They let Finns in, they can't be too fussy.

duesprimusvictorimmortali
reply to post by whyamIhere

 

if you dont know the answer to the question dont speak for those who do.

edit on 17-10-2013 by duesprimusvictorimmortali because: (no reason given)

edit on 17-10-2013 by duesprimusvictorimmortali because: (no reason given)

i'm pretty sure he is a mason.

reply to post by duesprimusvictorimmortali


While i do agree that there is racial tensions in certain lodges (which i have met personally), i doubt the person you talked to was a real Mason, reason being, the requirements he gave you. Now while regualar Prince Hall Masonry is predominately composed of black members, there are many white PHM as well. There are also many 'irregular' or 'Clandestine' lodges and its mostly black lodges that are.....

Freemasons or of those improperly claiming to be Freemasons, uniting in a Lodge without the consent of a Grand Lodge, or, although originally legally constituted, continuing to work after its Charter has been revoked,

Most the lodges i have visited that have been predominantly white & still have members from all over the world including Black Americans and Africans. And im am a Black FAAM


Simply put, he is wrong

really
www.grandlodge.on.ca...

Let's have a little courtesy here, shall we?


In point of fact... I insist.

All opinions are welcome.

Allow me to restate that, all opinions are welcome. So long as they abide by the terms and conditions.

I am a member of the Grand Lodge of British Freemasons in Germany. Our Lodge, based in Munich, has several black brothers, and it is with the greatest of pride and pleasure to say that regardless of race, creed or religion, any brother can attain the very highest level in the Craft. Additionally, I truly look forward to my Brother and friend, who hails from Nigeria, to become our first black Worshipful Master.

S + F Brethren All

reply to post by Sauron


What is that saying about a picture speaking a thousand words?

Yup.... I think we can say there is truth to it. That one says everything, eh?

reply to post by Wrabbit2000


yep guess my questions answered.

I once helped out my aunt with a catering event for masons and I saw people of multiple races dotted throughout the venue.

I knew they were masons because it was printed on their beer mats and bottles.

I'm afraid that's all I have to offer.


ETA, The most powerful man (maybe) in the world is black.

reply to post by duesprimusvictorimmortali




I'm not sure that it's to do with being "allowed", it's probably comparable to any other club, group or job.
How many high ranking black Politicians are there? Or how many Police Chiefs or DA's or many other groups.

A lot of it is to do with opportunity and yes, much is to do with institutional racism.... not overt, "I hate black people" racism... just "This is the way it's always been and we're not keen on change" racism.

There are quite a few Masonic Grand Lodges in Africa, which suggests blacks can become whatever type of freemason they like. It may be relevant to the specific Lodge, so the ones in darkest Alabama may have problems with blacks, but the one in brightest Harlem may not!

Hope this helps

Regards