O n May 18, 2022 at 7:00 pm CST, the Brothers of the Public Relations Department were afforded the privilege to spend time talking to Deputy Grand Master James E. “ Bull ” Baker. DGM Baker discussed his upbringing, his vision, past experiences, and gave advice to the Brothers of the Craft. We are truly thankful and grateful that Depu- ty Grand Master Baker took time out of his schedule for the Public Relations Department, especially since this in- terview was conducted shortly before the 2022 Grand Session.
PM Sherman Ruth : First, I like to thank everyone for taking time out of their schedule to continue this rich legacy that we have started with interviewing our Living Legends. First and foremost, Bro. James “ Bull ” Baker, we want to
ly demographic, and things of that sort, so that we can get to know who DGM James “ Bull ” Baker really is. DGM James Baker: Mhmm. Well, I was born in Independence, Louisi- ana. Let me put this in chronologi-
I worked at Avondale Shipyard [now known as Avondale Marine] for 10 ½ years and then I went into the construction business. While I was in the construction business, I also attended Southern University in New Orleans. I am basically just
me, especially to the ones who know me. Nothing spectacular about it that I can see. Just like my old daddy said, “… it makes no dif- ferent where you are in life or what to do in life, just be a man. ” Then I figured if I could accom- plish that, you know, I would be alright. PM Sherman Ruth: Did you have any sib- lings? DGM James Baker:
thank you, sir. We be- lieve in giving a brother their flowers while they are with us. I know we have talked a few times off camera and you ques- tioned whether you are a living legend. Well, let me just tell you this brother, we as members of the MWPHGL of Lou- isiana stand on your shoulders. What you told me earlier today was, “ all you did was be you. ” And that attitude toward your ac- complishments is what makes your legacy even more special. So, we thank you for taking time
Oh, yes. It was 12 of us, so I had 11 siblings in total, but only eight of us are left. PM Sherman Ruth: And of the 12, where do you fall in the pecking order? DGM James Baker: I am number seven. PM Sherman Ruth: Number sev- en. Okay, lucky seven. DGM James Baker: Well, I am number seven. Definitely lucky, the Lord has blessed me to be here this long. PM Sherman Ruth: So, what is your family demographic like? Are you married? Do you have any
cal order so you can deal with it. I was born in Independence, Louisi- ana on September 19, 1948. I start- ed off going to school at Marsh Chapel school until the third grade. Then I went to 5th Ward Elemen- tary from the fourth through the eighth grade, and Helena High School in Greensburg, Louisiana where I graduated. Afterwards, I enlisted in the Marine Corps for a stint, and then came back to Louisi- ana. I went to Florida Parishes Vo- cational School and graduated from there.
out of your schedule so that we can interview you and give you your flowers while you are here. DGM James Baker: Thank you sir, you are quite welcome. Anything that I can do. PM Sherman Ruth : I will start the interview with our first question. If you can give us a background narra- tive about yourself that would in- clude when and where you were born, how many siblings you have, your educational background, your employment experience, your fami-
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