The Legacy of Prince Hall and African Identity

This chapter examines the crucial role of Freemasonry among Black Americans, focusing on Prince Hall's establishment of African Masonic lodges in the 18th century. It contrasts Hall's vision of human equality and social reform with the fervent religiosity of the time, while also exploring the efforts of various African American leaders to forge a unifying African identity through historical and biblical references. The discussion extends to the challenges faced by African-American settlers in Sierra Leone and the ambitions of Paul Cuffee, highlighting the complexities of self-governance, racial egalitarianism, and socio-economic development within the context of the diaspora.