TRAILBLAZING ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Federal lodge No 9

James 1: 2-4 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And, let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

The Mighty Men of Federal Lodge No 9 have remained steadfast in our obligations and intentions of turning the page on the impact our lodge can have on the community. This quarter, our lodge was able to successfully initiate our philanthropic thrusts of empowering men in the greater metro Baltimore community while providing support to children in need.

We were able to complete this by utilizing our relationship with the lovely ladies of Trinity Chapter No 5. Order of the Eastern Star - Prince Hall Affiliated (OES-PHA) under a joint dispensation to conduct our charity focused on baby products. As the sister chapter of Federal Lodge No. 9, Trinity Chapter No. 5 OES-PHA provided a multitude of resources for children, as well as organization of the effort. Sisters throughout Myra Grand Chapter OES-PHA continue to participate, with many donations coming from Marjorie T. Lancaster Chapter No. 84 OES-PHA. New Cornerstone Baptist Church, under the leadership of our very own Pastor Melvin Rascoe, supported the charity by offering a location for donation drop off and storage.

In the current climate surrounding the experiences of Men in America, we knew it was incumbent upon ourselves as leaders to leverage a discussion on fatherhood and life empowerment. This led to new relationships with Coppin State University (CSU), Kingdom Life Motorcycle Ministry, and several other organizations where we hosted a forum at the James Weldon Johnson Auditorium on 1 April 2023. Mrs. Latia Riddick who is a member of the Kingdom Life Motorcycle Ministry, Pershing Angels Sorority, Inc., and lifetime CSU Alumni sponsored the event.

The forum consisted of a panel of guest speakers including Right Worshipful (RW) Willie S. Godfrey and RW Christopher G. Gray. The official party included District Deputy Grand Master Michael M. Hughes, RW Thomas W. Russum, Worshipful Master Kevin D. Claiborne, Junior Warden Cash D. L. Crooms, and Worthy Matron Marcia Cooper. Discussions included experiences in overcoming unplanned fatherhood and the transition into becoming a stepfather. Prior to the discussion, the event was opened with a collaborative drill exhibition from the National Society of Pershing Rifles and the National Society of Pershing Angels Sorority, Inc. Photography was provided by Brother Ralph Mbuyi.

The event was marketed via social media and various direct marketing efforts. Ms. Sandra Green of Coppin State University Student Activities Department provided tremendous support. Her actions allowed our organization the ability to conduct activities on campus where the Mighty Men of Federal Lodge No. 9 were able to reach over 300 students on 29 March 2023 by having a table in Talon Hall with donuts and flyers. Prior to this, Worshipful Master Kevin D. Claiborne and Junior Warden Cash D. L. Crooms participated in the CSU Alumni game night on 23 February 2023.

The forum on fatherhood and life empowerment served as the kickoff for the baby product donations charity. Following the forum, the brothers of Federal Lodge No. 9 returned to Coppin State University on 19 April 2023 with the charity opened to mothers and fathers where a table was set up in front of the Tawes Building on campus. The brothers included free Krispy Kreme donuts to the students from the ongoing fundraiser for the lodge, and 250 flyers were distributed directly to students on how to properly express interest in membership of the lodge.

Having the opportunity to be a continued presence in the community has been more than a rewarding experience for those who have been able to participate. In our efforts, we have had the ability to communicate with amazing people, but most importantly we were able to capture the interest of brothers who appreciated the work we are doing.

Also, interest in membership has reached potential candidates as far as Kenya. The resurgence in interest among Brothers to return to the organization led our lodge to conduct a reinstatement and acclimation meeting on 23 April 2023. This meeting covered the reinstatement process and demit qualifications for those seeking to align or reactivate their membership with Federal Lodge No. 9. Currently, Federal Lodge No 9 is in process to reinstate 4 members, administratively transfer 1 brother, and heal 1 candidate yielding a growth of 23% in membership prior to conducting our first degree on 14 June 2023.■