Orient of Ohio—Our Mission is to implement nonpartisan voter education and engagement! Grand Inspectors General Joseph Clark Jr., 33 o , and David C.S. Whitehead, 33 o
For generations, civic participation has stood at the heart of Black progress in America. Within Ohio, the Black voting experience reflects a long tradition of organization, moral leadership, and collective responsibility — principles deeply aligned with the mission of Prince Hall Freemasonry. Prince Hall Masons have historically served not only as builders of temples, but as builders of democracy itself. The work we are committed to within the United Supreme Council, Northern Jurisdiction is reflective of the foundation established. The Orient of Ohio ’ s Voter Empowerment Team consists of Fraters of United Supreme Council, Northern Jurisdiction and Loyal Ladies of the Order of the Golden Circle. African Americans were excluded from civic institutions. Lodges became safe spaces for leadership development, education, and organized political awareness. We are seeing a proposed bill that has returned to that direction. Therefore, we as a fraternity of equity and inclusion must continue the push to empower. Across Ohio cities such as Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo, Akron, Springfield, Dayton, Chillicothe, Cincinnati, and Youngstown our team helped cultivate civic consciousness through mentorship, voter education, and community service initiatives throughout 2025. We hosted more than 13 forums (with more than 75 candidates), 3 voter education panels, and distributed more than 2,500 pieces of voter guides. The Cincinnati NAACP Mobile Unit, in partnership with King Solomon Consistory No. 20, Valley of Cincinnati, did onsite visits to 7 churches during 10 events. The principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth naturally extend into responsible citizenship — including participation in elections that shape the future of our communities. During the 2025 Ohio legislative year. Many bills were passed that are considered harmful to the Black community. Senate Bill 1 (The Advance Ohio Higher Education Act) and the SAVE Act, which presents a roadblock to voting, is currently in the U.S. Senate. Historical Role of Black Voters in Ohio Black political participation in Ohio grew alongside fraternal, church, and mutual aid organizations. During the Great Migration, African Americans arriving in Ohio ’ s industrial centers strengthened voting blocs and
demanded representation in public office, education systems, labor unions, and municipal governance. Prince Hall Lodges often served as informal civic academies where men learned parliamentary procedure, public speaking, leadership ethics, and social responsibility — skills that translated directly into political participation and community advocacy. These traditions positioned Black voters as a decisive force in urban counties such as Cuyahoga County, Franklin County, and Hamilton County, where turnout continues to influence statewide elections. Issues Impacting the Black Electorate Today Black voters in Ohio remain guided by concerns that align closely with Prince Hall masonic ideals of justice, equality, and human dignity. It is imperative that we continue gathering new volunteers and partnering with other organization to fight for voting access. Voting represents more than political preference — it is an expression of earned citizenship. Discussions surrounding early voting, voter access, and election procedures highlight the importance of education and engagement within our communities. Our organization as respected community leaders, are uniquely positioned to promote nonpartisan voter awareness and encourage lawful participation. Economic stability strengthens families and communities. Policies addressing employment opportunities, entrepreneurship, workforce training, and neighborhood investment remain key priorities for many voters within our communities. Historically, masonic networks have supported economic uplift through mentorship, professional networking, and charitable initiatives. Fairness under the law remains a defining issue. Community dialogue around policing, rehabilitation, and equitable justice continues to drive civic participation across generations. Education and Youth Development Investment in education directly reflects Prince Hall Freemasonry ’ s commitment to enlightenment. Young voters increasingly engage through social activism, campus organizations, and digital outreach, signaling a new era of civic participation.
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The Fall Bulletin
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