Too often, some of us forget about the historical groups and social bridges that have helped to bring black America across troubled and perilous waters during the last two centuries.

One group is known today as the Grand Lodge of Prince Hall Masons. They have grown exponentially from their first lodge in Boston in 1787 to numerous masonic lodges throughout the United States.

Without a lot of external fanfare or public boasting, this organization of skilled and talented “Brothers” have been consistent in contributing to the long protracted progress of black America. The living legacy of Prince Hall is still focused on the mission of providing leadership of high moral character, charitable assistance to those in need and steadfast support of freedom, justice, equality and empowerment for black Americans and all people.

Prince Hall was one of the earliest black abolitionists against the slavery of African people in America in the mid- 1700s. He was a free black leader in Boston who was proud of his African ancestry and committed to improving the quality of life of African people during the early years of the United States. Prince Hall was a freedom fighter who fought bravely in the Revolutionary War.

Prince Hall was one of the first black Americans to be made a mason in America on March 6, 1775, in Boston. Interestingly, he and 14 other black men initially established and named their first lodge African Lodge #1 on July 3, 1776, one day before the Declaration of Independence was adopted.

This was a bold historic move by Mr. Hall and his masonic brothers with the clear unambiguous intention to stand up and work for African liberation and empowerment as a sacred fraternity. Mr. Hall was named master of African Lodge #1. Years later, after his death, the name of the lodge was changed to the Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free andAccepted Masons.

Why is this relevant now? It is important because black history did not start on a slave plantation in the South. Prior to the birth of what is now the United States, African people in America were engaged and involved in promoting unity to advance the cause of freedom and liberty. The evidence and truth about the historic and contemporary contributions of Prince Hall Masons to advance our interests needs to be better known and understood today by 44.3 million black Americans.

My great-grandfather, grandfather and father were all Prince Hall Masons. I know about the many orphanages, schools, medical clinics, hospitals, rest homes and many other charitable institutions they have built across the nation and maintained all these years to uplift black America. We must teach our young people today about the proud traditions and legacies of our fore parents. No matter the circumstances that we have had to face, we always have found ways and the means to look after one another with respect, care, giving and love. That challenge and obligation continues today.

Black History Month is a time for reflection. But we must learn from the past and build upon what previous generations have built as a foundation.

Let’s strengthen our institutions and businesses. Our HBCUs are in critical need of financial support. Let’s learn from the sustainable tradition of the Honorable Prince Hall — unify, build, reach out to care for others, demand justice and freedom and enjoy the blessings of life to ensure a better future for those who will come after we have transitioned.

Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is the President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association.