From Kemet to Boston:
Black Fraternal Organizations
by Bro. Antonio Caffey
I was inspired to write this article many years ago by a young man that I worked with at a
residential treatment home, his name was Charles. Charles, like many of the youth that I worked
with, was involved with gangs. However, he was different from the others. You see, Charles was
very much into the symbolism and brotherhood that his gang gave him. When I discovered Charles
was not only involved in a gang, but held a leadership position, I began to ask him questions. I
wanted to compare his gang experience with my Masonic experience. I also wanted to see if Carl H.
Claudy was correct when he said, “Men are men the world over. That which is hidden is sought;
that which is secret is studied; that which is held rare is held valuable.1�
African/African-American’s have been involved in fraternal orders for thousands of years. The
ancient fraternal order of antiquity was what we call today, The Ancient Egyptian (Kemet) Mystery
System. This educational system according to Dr. Asa Hilliard was both a religion and education
system, since the two could not be separated in their minds.
There has been an ongoing debate within the Masonic research community regarding Freemasonryâ
€™s connection to this ancient system of morality. In my opinion, Freemasonry as it is practiced
today, originated in Europe. However, my spiritual being tells me that our ancestors passed down to
us, their methods of understanding ourselves and the world we live in through our present system of
morality (Freemasonry.) There is also a debate in the African-American Masonic research community
regarding the influence that we may have had in regards to the founding of Black Greek Lettered
Organizations. I do think we can all agree that Freemasonry’s nature, character, ritual and
function appear to have formed the basis, directly or indirectly of every secret society and fraternal
order since the eighteenth century.2
In his book, Stolen Legacy, George G.M. James asserts “The Egyptian Mystery System was also
a secret order and membership was gained by initiation and a pledge to secrecy.�3 He further
states that, “According to Pietschmann, the Egyptian Mysteries had three grades of students: (1)
The Mortals i.e., Probationary students who were being instructed, but who had not yet experienced
the inner vision (2) The intelligences, i.e. those who had attained the inner vision and had received
mind or naus and (3) The Creators or Sons of Light i.e., true spiritual consciousness.4 These three
levels in my opinion resemble our Craft Degree system. They also resembled the initiation process
that many men and women go through when they join a Black Greek Lettered Organization. So when
we look at how the Kemetians structured their educational system and how we practice Freemasonry
and Black Greekdom, we can find many similarities. What if we stretch the continuum further to
include what we call street gangs, what will we discover?
This essay will focus on three areas when discussing Freemasonry, Black Greek Lettered
Organizations (BGLO) and Gangs: The use of signs and symbols, initiation rites and the use of grips
and hand signs.
Black Fraternal Organizations
by Bro. Antonio Caffey
I was inspired to write this article many years ago by a young man that I worked with at a
residential treatment home, his name was Charles. Charles, like many of the youth that I worked
with, was involved with gangs. However, he was different from the others. You see, Charles was
very much into the symbolism and brotherhood that his gang gave him. When I discovered Charles
was not only involved in a gang, but held a leadership position, I began to ask him questions. I
wanted to compare his gang experience with my Masonic experience. I also wanted to see if Carl H.
Claudy was correct when he said, “Men are men the world over. That which is hidden is sought;
that which is secret is studied; that which is held rare is held valuable.1�
African/African-American’s have been involved in fraternal orders for thousands of years. The
ancient fraternal order of antiquity was what we call today, The Ancient Egyptian (Kemet) Mystery
System. This educational system according to Dr. Asa Hilliard was both a religion and education
system, since the two could not be separated in their minds.
There has been an ongoing debate within the Masonic research community regarding Freemasonryâ
€™s connection to this ancient system of morality. In my opinion, Freemasonry as it is practiced
today, originated in Europe. However, my spiritual being tells me that our ancestors passed down to
us, their methods of understanding ourselves and the world we live in through our present system of
morality (Freemasonry.) There is also a debate in the African-American Masonic research community
regarding the influence that we may have had in regards to the founding of Black Greek Lettered
Organizations. I do think we can all agree that Freemasonry’s nature, character, ritual and
function appear to have formed the basis, directly or indirectly of every secret society and fraternal
order since the eighteenth century.2
In his book, Stolen Legacy, George G.M. James asserts “The Egyptian Mystery System was also
a secret order and membership was gained by initiation and a pledge to secrecy.�3 He further
states that, “According to Pietschmann, the Egyptian Mysteries had three grades of students: (1)
The Mortals i.e., Probationary students who were being instructed, but who had not yet experienced
the inner vision (2) The intelligences, i.e. those who had attained the inner vision and had received
mind or naus and (3) The Creators or Sons of Light i.e., true spiritual consciousness.4 These three
levels in my opinion resemble our Craft Degree system. They also resembled the initiation process
that many men and women go through when they join a Black Greek Lettered Organization. So when
we look at how the Kemetians structured their educational system and how we practice Freemasonry
and Black Greekdom, we can find many similarities. What if we stretch the continuum further to
include what we call street gangs, what will we discover?
This essay will focus on three areas when discussing Freemasonry, Black Greek Lettered
Organizations (BGLO) and Gangs: The use of signs and symbols, initiation rites and the use of grips
and hand signs.
The use of signs and symbols
As the ancient Kemetiams (Egyptians)
communicated using symbols (Medu Netcher â
€“ “writing of God.â€�) so to do
Freemasons, BGLOs and gangs. These signs
and symbols are used to teach lessons. The
symbols that street gangs use are just as
powerful and meaningful as the symbols and
signs Freemasons and Black Greek lettered
organizations use. Contrary to popular belief,
gangs use symbols for more then “marking
their turf. They use them to communicate
profound messages to its members. A lot of the
symbols that are used by gangs, fraternities and
sororities are influenced by Masonry.
The emblem that the Folk gang uses is a Star
of David with the letter G in the middle. The six
points of the star each represents concepts that
the Folk Nation believe in. Life, loyalty,
wisdom, knowledge, understanding and love.
Like the six point star and the Masonic square
and compass, the shields that college fraternities
and sororities use also are very symbolic.
Usually each object within the organizations
shield is representative of some aspect of the
group.
As the ancient Kemetiams (Egyptians)
communicated using symbols (Medu Netcher â
€“ “writing of God.â€�) so to do
Freemasons, BGLOs and gangs. These signs
and symbols are used to teach lessons. The
symbols that street gangs use are just as
powerful and meaningful as the symbols and
signs Freemasons and Black Greek lettered
organizations use. Contrary to popular belief,
gangs use symbols for more then “marking
their turf. They use them to communicate
profound messages to its members. A lot of the
symbols that are used by gangs, fraternities and
sororities are influenced by Masonry.
The emblem that the Folk gang uses is a Star
of David with the letter G in the middle. The six
points of the star each represents concepts that
the Folk Nation believe in. Life, loyalty,
wisdom, knowledge, understanding and love.
Like the six point star and the Masonic square
and compass, the shields that college fraternities
and sororities use also are very symbolic.
Usually each object within the organizations
shield is representative of some aspect of the
group.
The Egyptian (Kemet) eye of Horus
(Heru.) The Masonic all seeing eye. The
pyramid and eye of "Allah." The drawing is
said to represent the ancient pyramids and
their black builders. Note the number of
bricks in the pyramid--21. This has
significant meaning to a true People Nation
member.
(Heru.) The Masonic all seeing eye. The
pyramid and eye of "Allah." The drawing is
said to represent the ancient pyramids and
their black builders. Note the number of
bricks in the pyramid--21. This has
significant meaning to a true People Nation
member.
Initiation
Before a person can become a member of these
organizations, they must undergo an initiation
process. Most of these initiations involve some
type of activity that tests the individual’s
perseverance and fortitude. Some street gangs
refer to this process as being “blessed in.�
College fraternities and sororities refer to it as â
€œpledgingâ€� and Masonry refers to it as â
€œbeing made a Mason.â€� Like Masonry,
there are usually three phases that a person
must pass before they are considered a full
member (this varies among fraternities and
sororities). The use of an elaborate ritual is used
to convey to the neophyte, the solemn meaning
of the organization. It generally involves some
type of death and rebirth aspect. A new member
must commit to memory the organization’s
history and symbolism. Many gangs have
extensive books (lit books), usually handwritten,
of rules, regulations and gang history. These
rules and history must be memorized, and when
called upon by another member, recited
verbatim.
Before a person can become a member of these
organizations, they must undergo an initiation
process. Most of these initiations involve some
type of activity that tests the individual’s
perseverance and fortitude. Some street gangs
refer to this process as being “blessed in.�
College fraternities and sororities refer to it as â
€œpledgingâ€� and Masonry refers to it as â
€œbeing made a Mason.â€� Like Masonry,
there are usually three phases that a person
must pass before they are considered a full
member (this varies among fraternities and
sororities). The use of an elaborate ritual is used
to convey to the neophyte, the solemn meaning
of the organization. It generally involves some
type of death and rebirth aspect. A new member
must commit to memory the organization’s
history and symbolism. Many gangs have
extensive books (lit books), usually handwritten,
of rules, regulations and gang history. These
rules and history must be memorized, and when
called upon by another member, recited
verbatim.
Members of a BGLO pledging their Fraternity
The use of grips and hand signs
The members of these organizations use
special handshakes, signs of affiliation and
catch-words to recognize each other. Generally,
these signs refer to a part of the ritual or
something that is related to the group.
The members of these organizations use
special handshakes, signs of affiliation and
catch-words to recognize each other. Generally,
these signs refer to a part of the ritual or
something that is related to the group.
Hand sign of BGLO on the left. Six point handsign used
by some gang members on the right.
by some gang members on the right.
Conclusion
It is interesting that both Prince Hall Freemasonry and Black Greek lettered organizations,
originated because Blacks were denied membership in their white counterparts. Once we formed
our own organizations, we redefined the purpose and roles of fraternal orders. In its early
beginnings, our main purpose was to make life comfortable for the Black community. While
discussing the history of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Lawrence C. Ross, Jr. stated “Secret
societies in 1906 provided the support structure for students on the Cornell campus.5� It has
been documented that Prince Hall Freemasonry played a major role in the fight against slavery in
American as well as the fight for civil rights. Nevertheless over the years in my opinion, we have
forgotten our purpose. I believe this stems from the lack of knowledge, appreciation and
understating of our past. Anthony Browder stated, “It is very difficult for anyone to know that
which they do not understand. And understanding is further hindered by arrogance and prejudice,
true knowledge often gives way to distorted perceptions of reality.6� Put into the context of this
essay, the arrogance is displayed by fraternities, sororities and Freemasons, who over the years
have somewhat distanced themselves from the Black community. The distorted perception would
seem to be our street gangs. It is apparent that these gangs are woeful imitations of us. Some
people would say that to compare our organizations to a gang is ridicules, is it? The same reasons
that you may have had to join the Lodge, or your fraternity, a gang member may have had when he
joined his gang: power, status, security, family substitute and tradition are reasons often given by
gang members as reasons they became members, sound familiar? Granted, our Lodges and
fraternities (hopefully) are not hurting the community by selling drugs or terrorizing its residents.
However, what are we doing to better our communities? Compared to what we use to do, we
have fallen short.
I often ask myself, “I wonder what Charles is doing now?� He had natural leadership skills
and a keen understanding of the power of signs and symbols. Looking back at it now, he would
have made a great Freemason. I find myself speaking to young men who are involved in gangs
totally different now, thanks to Charles. I look at them as though they are my children who I have
a responsibility for to insure they understand the connection that I have to them. I think our
ancestors would have wanted it that way.
___________________________________________________________________
1 Carl H. Claudy, Foreign Countries (Richmond, VA. Macoy Publishing and Masonic Supply CO. 1971) p. 136
2 Lorretta J. James, Black Freemasonry and Middle Class Realities (Columbia: University of Missouri Press, 1980.)
3 George G.M .James Stolen Legacy (Newport News, VA United Brothers Communication Systems, 1954)
4 Ibid
5 Lawrence C. Ross, Jr. The Divine Nine, The History of African-American Fraternities and Sororities (New York,
NY Kensington Books 2000)
6 Anthony T. Browder, Nile Valley Contributions to Civilization (Washington, D.C. The Institute of Karmic
Guidance 1992)
It is interesting that both Prince Hall Freemasonry and Black Greek lettered organizations,
originated because Blacks were denied membership in their white counterparts. Once we formed
our own organizations, we redefined the purpose and roles of fraternal orders. In its early
beginnings, our main purpose was to make life comfortable for the Black community. While
discussing the history of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Lawrence C. Ross, Jr. stated “Secret
societies in 1906 provided the support structure for students on the Cornell campus.5� It has
been documented that Prince Hall Freemasonry played a major role in the fight against slavery in
American as well as the fight for civil rights. Nevertheless over the years in my opinion, we have
forgotten our purpose. I believe this stems from the lack of knowledge, appreciation and
understating of our past. Anthony Browder stated, “It is very difficult for anyone to know that
which they do not understand. And understanding is further hindered by arrogance and prejudice,
true knowledge often gives way to distorted perceptions of reality.6� Put into the context of this
essay, the arrogance is displayed by fraternities, sororities and Freemasons, who over the years
have somewhat distanced themselves from the Black community. The distorted perception would
seem to be our street gangs. It is apparent that these gangs are woeful imitations of us. Some
people would say that to compare our organizations to a gang is ridicules, is it? The same reasons
that you may have had to join the Lodge, or your fraternity, a gang member may have had when he
joined his gang: power, status, security, family substitute and tradition are reasons often given by
gang members as reasons they became members, sound familiar? Granted, our Lodges and
fraternities (hopefully) are not hurting the community by selling drugs or terrorizing its residents.
However, what are we doing to better our communities? Compared to what we use to do, we
have fallen short.
I often ask myself, “I wonder what Charles is doing now?� He had natural leadership skills
and a keen understanding of the power of signs and symbols. Looking back at it now, he would
have made a great Freemason. I find myself speaking to young men who are involved in gangs
totally different now, thanks to Charles. I look at them as though they are my children who I have
a responsibility for to insure they understand the connection that I have to them. I think our
ancestors would have wanted it that way.
___________________________________________________________________
1 Carl H. Claudy, Foreign Countries (Richmond, VA. Macoy Publishing and Masonic Supply CO. 1971) p. 136
2 Lorretta J. James, Black Freemasonry and Middle Class Realities (Columbia: University of Missouri Press, 1980.)
3 George G.M .James Stolen Legacy (Newport News, VA United Brothers Communication Systems, 1954)
4 Ibid
5 Lawrence C. Ross, Jr. The Divine Nine, The History of African-American Fraternities and Sororities (New York,
NY Kensington Books 2000)
6 Anthony T. Browder, Nile Valley Contributions to Civilization (Washington, D.C. The Institute of Karmic
Guidance 1992)
The letters at the six points of the star are
symbols of the concepts of the Folk
Nation: Life, Loyalty, Love, Wisdom,
Knowledge and Understanding.
symbols of the concepts of the Folk
Nation: Life, Loyalty, Love, Wisdom,
Knowledge and Understanding.