Senate Resolution No. 1572

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING Prince Hall upon the occasion of
hosting its Black History Month Observance on
February 19, 2026

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to institutions and observances that preserve history,
uplift cultural identity, and reaffirm the enduring contributions of
African Americans to the moral, civic, and social fabric of the State of
New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Prince Hall upon the occasion of hosting its Black History Month
Observance on Thursday, February 19, 2026, in New York, as a meaningful
gathering dedicated to reflection, education, and collective
remembrance; and

WHEREAS, Prince Hall Freemasonry traces its distinguished origins to
March 6, 1775, when Prince Hall and fourteen other free Black men were
initiated into Freemasonry by a British military lodge in Boston, laying
the foundation for one of the most enduring fraternal institutions
committed to liberty, equality, education, and moral uplift; and

WHEREAS, In 1784, Prince Hall secured a charter from the Grand Lodge
of England for African Lodge No. 459, establishing a sovereign Black
Masonic tradition in America that would serve as a vital force for
leadership, self-determination, and organized resistance to injustice
during slavery, Reconstruction, and the modern civil rights era; and

WHEREAS, Throughout its history, Prince Hall Freemasonry has stood
at the forefront of community advancement, producing leaders, educators,
clergy, entrepreneurs, and civil rights advocates, while quietly
supporting the Underground Railroad, mutual aid societies, schools, and
civic institutions at times when African Americans were excluded from
mainstream systems of power; and

WHEREAS, Black History Month observances within Prince Hall
Freemasonry serve not only as commemorations of the past, but as living
affirmations of the fraternity's core tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief,
and Truth, inspiring future generations to lead with integrity, service,
and purpose; and

WHEREAS, The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York,
chartered in 1848, has played a particularly significant role in
advancing these principles, standing as one of the oldest and most
influential Prince Hall Grand Lodges in the nation, and continuing to
shape civic life through faith-based leadership, philanthropy,
mentorship, and advocacy; and

WHEREAS, The continued strength and relevance of the Prince Hall
tradition in New York is sustained through the dedicated leadership of
Most Worshipful Grand Master Darren M. Morton, Ed.D., whose stewardship
reflects a deep commitment to historical preservation, principled

governance, community engagement, and the cultivation of informed,
service-oriented leadership among the Craft; and

WHEREAS, Under the guidance of Grand Master Morton, the Grand Lodge
has emphasized education, health and wellness, youth mentorship, and
civic responsibility, ensuring that Prince Hall Freemasonry remains a
vital and forward-looking institution while remaining firmly rooted in
its historic mission and values; and

WHEREAS, The Prince Hall Black History Month Observance stands as a
powerful testament to the enduring relevance of Prince Hall Freemasonry,
honoring the legacy of its founders while affirming its ongoing
responsibility to uplift communities, strengthen families, and advance
justice and equality; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Prince Hall upon the occasion of hosting its Black History Month
Observance on February 19, 2026, and to recognize its significance in
honoring African American history, Masonic heritage, and community
leadership; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body extend its highest appreciation
to the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York, and to Most
Worshipful Grand Master Darren M. Morton, Ed.D., for their continued
leadership, stewardship, and unwavering commitment to faith, service,
and the betterment of society; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Most Worshipful Grand Master Darren M. Morton, Ed.D., as
a lasting expression of the respect and esteem of this Legislative Body.