Religion & Spirituality

Harlem’s Prince Hall Lodge hosts kiddie outing

(Kenya L. Smith photo)

By MAL’AKIY 17 ALLAH Special to the AmNews

On Friday, July 8, dozens of local youths were treated to a full day of inspirational activities by one of this country’s oldest African American establishments, the Prince Hall Lodge (454 W. 155th St., Harlem USA), aka Medina Temple No. 19, the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. This annual event continued the prestige of their efforts conducted last month for Father’s Day, as well as for Juneteenth. It was conducted at Central Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park during beautiful summer weather.

In conjunction with personnel from area Fire Department of New York, and the New York Police Department, they provided many hours of education and entertainment for the inner-city youths. Many of them mounted the EMS vehicles and fire trucks which were on display, as they also got to ask questions and receive first-hand answers from several veteran city officials.

“These kids were able to go inside the trucks, wear the policemen’s and firemen’s helmets, and experience it for themselves,” noted active member, Kenya L. Smith. “They were able to see policemen that looked like them, and ask them questions.”

He also noted how the inquisitive youths kept asking the police and firemen about their daily duties, as well as about some of their exciting past experiences on the job. Several of them even posed for photos in the emergency vehicles with the city officials while wearing their headgears.

Having been conducted for over 50 years, this all-day event provided the youths with barbequed food, clowns, games, music, and sporting activities; to keep them occupied. Other various activities are also available at the lodge throughout the remainder of the summer. Being that it’s a known fact that the children are the future of every community, it makes perfect sense to keep them productively occupied during the summer months.

Featured guests included Nobles, the original guide, James Vaughn, and the illustrious Rodney M. Chadwick. Also, a special guest appearance by Harlem hip hop legend, Kool DJ Red Alert.

Medina’s Temple No. 19 is preparing to conduct their annual back-to-school drive next month in preparation for the resuming of academic activities in public schools during September.