Freemasonry has been the focus of many conspiracy theories due to the fraternal organization’s long history and somewhat secretive nature. The African-American Masonic tradition of Prince Hall Freemasonry got caught up in the conspiracy mill before the historic 2008 election of President Barack Obama.
Is Barack Obama a Prince Hall Mason?
Several emails began circulating around 2007 claiming that Barack Obama is a 32nd degree Prince Hall Mason. Prince Hall Masonic lodges trace back their history to Prince Hall, an African-American who set up Masonic lodges for Blacks at a time when white Masons wouldn’t allow Black members.
The “Masonic Obama” emails were based in conspiracy theories involving freemasons, the occult and secret groups controlling the world. Beyond conspiracy theorists, the US general public didn’t seem to care whether Obama was a member of a community organization that many of its previous presidents and founding fathers (like Benjamin Franklin) belonged to.
Obama has never confirmed or denied being a member of a Prince Hall Masonic lodge, and no lodges have come forward to claim him as a member. Like others in the African-American community, many Prince Hall Masons supported Obama in his presidential bid, although Masonic lodges themselves generally do not make political statements.
Celebrities Suspected of Belonging to a Masonic Lodge
Freemasonry, especially in North America, is much more open than many people realize. Membership in a Masonic lodge is not a secret. Names of members can usually be found listed in Masonic halls (which are frequently rented out to the public) or on the lodge’s website. Masonic groups also perform charity work in the community and identify themselves as Masons with rings, ties, bumper stickers and parades.
Despite this, conspiracy theorists continue to circulate rumors about prominent men being “secret” Masons with secret agendas. The basis for some of these rumors are photographs or videos of entertainers making supposedly secret Masonic handshakes and gestures . The following black celebrities and politicians have been rumored to be secret Prince Hall Masons:
- Jay-Z
- Kanye West
- Nas
- New York governor David Paterson
Actual Famous Prince Hall Masons
It’s not that difficult to find out who is and isn’t a Prince Hall Mason. Like other Masonic traditions, Prince Hall Freemasonry is able to claim notable businessmen, politicians and entertainers as members. According to the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Michigan, notable Prince Hall Masons include:
- Jesse Jackson
- Thurgood Marshall
- Count Basie
- Duke Ellington
- Al Sharpton
- Congressman Charles Rangel
- Nat King Cole
- W.E.B. DuBois
- Alexander Dumas
- Alex Haley
- Kweisi Mfume
- Don King
- Richard Pryor
- Alexander Pushkin
- Sugar Ray Robinson
- Al Sharpton
- Booker T. Washington
Prince Hall lodges can be found throughout North American, the Carribean and on US military bases around the world.
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