Debbie Wasserman Schultz in the 119th Congress. HON. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ of florida in the house of representatives Thursday, September 17, 2026 Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of Prince
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HON. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ
of florida
in the house of representatives
Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of Prince Hall Freemasonry and join the residents of the City of Deerfield Beach, Florida, in celebrating Prince Hall Day. In particular, I commend the distinguished officers and members of Districts 32, 33, and 34 of the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida, Free and Accepted Masons, Prince Hall Affiliated, for their enduring dedication to brotherhood, benevolent service, and civic leadership.
ongoing pursuit of equality, self-determination, and justice in our Nation. On March 6, 1775, Prince Hall and fourteen other free Black men—Peter Freeman, Benjamin Tiber, Duff Bufform, Thomas Sanderson, Prince Payden, Cato Speain, Boston Smith, Peter Best, Fortin Howard, and Richard Tilley—were initiated into Freemasonry at Castle William in Boston Harbor. Facing exclusion from local lodges following the American Revolution, Prince Hall petitioned the Grand Lodge of England, which issued a charter on September 29, 1784, establishing African Lodge No. 459—the first independent Black Masonic Lodge on American soil.
across the country, becoming a bedrock of civil rights leadership, education, mutual aid, and community strength. Since its establishment on June 17, 1870, the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida, Free and Accepted Masons, Prince Hall Affiliated, has carried forward this distinguished mission across the Sunshine State.
Jr., 20th Most Worshipful Grand Master, the Grand Lodge of Florida remains a powerful instrument for positive change. Furthermore, I recognize Right Worshipful Randy L. Reddick, Jr., District Deputy Grand Master, whose administration over Districts 32, 33, and 34 exemplifies the core Masonic virtues of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
throughout Broward County and South Florida. Their continuous work in supporting local families, aiding widows and orphans, providing youth mentorship, advancing academic scholarships, and uplifting the residents of Deerfield Beach deserves our highest praise and gratitude.
the City of Deerfield Beach in celebrating Prince Hall Day. I congratulate Grand Master Gus Harris, Jr., District Deputy Grand Master Randy L. Reddick, Jr., and all the members of Districts 32, 33, and 34 for their extraordinary contributions to Broward County, the State of Florida and our Nation.