BLACK MEN LEADING THE CHARGE Leadership & Responsibility Summit in the State Capital By State Senator Bro. Kevin Parker (123)
Service to the community is a central theme to being a State Senator and a member of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York. Hence, since I became a member of the Lodge, it has been my mission to bring Prince Hall Masonry out of the shadows to be seen as an organization doing the work of serving the community. The easiest way to accomplish this goal was by getting the organization involved in actions and activities in which I am already engaged as a New York State Senator. One such was the 53rd Annual New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, & Asian Legislators Inc. Legislative Caucus Conference held in Albany.
Last year was the first attempt at the Lodge's formal participation in Caucus weekend. This was accomplished by honoring the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Prince Hall Masonry in the State of New York, Gregory Robeson Smith Jr., with the Chairman's Award. This year, we took it another step further and organized a workshop under the theme: "Brothers Gonna Work It Out: Black Men Leading the Charge to Save their Community." The Lodge's motto is "making good men better," and so the idea was to highlight the work that Prince Hall Masonry does to accomplish this goal. Two other receptions focusing on Prince Hall Masonry were also held during the Caucus weekend - one was a reception in honor of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, and the other was a presentation of two community service awards. These service awards were given to the Grand Worthy Matron, Yvonne Ladson, and the Grand Worthy Patron, Paul James. The workshop, which was the centerpiece of the Lodge's Caucus weekend events, was held on February 17, at the Albany Hilton. The workshop turned out to be well attended and hugely supported by Prince Hall Masonry members who are also part of the New York State and City legislative leadership. Expressing his honor and enthusiasm, The Most Worshipful Grand Master welcomed guests and gave a brief history of the historic beginnings of Prince Hall Masonry. He charged all present at the workshop to look toward solutions and strategies to re-engage our community. He also suggested we all have a responsibility to take care of "the least of these."
Prince Hall Sentinel May 2024 Page | 85
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