For serving his beloved community for several decades, Gregory Robeson-Smith Jr., 59th Grandmaster at Harlem’s Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Masons, State of New York (454 W. 155th Street), was recently honored for his unselfish contributions. As head of the local chapter of the Masons, he has ensured that their legacy has continuously benefited the local community.
“We have many Master Masons and Eastern Stars who are active within the community,” he said, adding that there are more than 10,000 members overall. “We work tirelessly supporting our people, either behind the scenes or out in the forefront, [and] helping and supporting our youths, in terms of education.”
Born in Harlem and raised in Mount Vernon as a fifth-generation Mason, Robeson-Smith came of age in a deep tradition of learning his rich heritage and sharing that knowledge to benefit his community. His decades of dedication did not go unnoticed. Last month in Albany, during the annual New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, & Asian Legislators Inc. Legislative Caucus Conference, Senator Kevin Parker presented him with the prestigious Chair’s Award.
“He exemplifies the values of the organization of brotherly love, charity and truth,” Parker said. “He is a devoted father and husband, intrepid corporate leader, and visionary conservator of Prince Hall Masonry, which is why I was honored to join Assemblywoman Latrice Walker in presenting him with the Chair’s Award.”
The black-tie dinner also served as a scholarship fundraiser, and was attended by several other politicians and prominent members of society, who were acknowledged.
“I was humbled,” Robeson-Smith said about initially learning that he was going to be honored. “At first, I didn’t think I was worthy of it. I’m not the type of person that does things to receive awards.”
Among those who have used the Prince Hall Lodge as somewhat of a rite of passage and attained influential positions in society are David Dinkins, Charles Rangel, Percy Sutton, David Patterson, Brian T. Walker, Calvin Butts, and Adam Clayton Powell Jr.
“I look at this Chair’s Award as I wasn’t accepting it just for myself, but also for all the Master Masons and Eastern Stars that did work in the community for the state,” Robeson-Smith said. “When I accepted this award, I accepted it on behalf of all the brothers and sisters of our organization that are doing great work. I do it for the people. I don’t look for any accolades because I come from humble beginnings and my family raised me to always help our brothers and sisters out.”
After graduating from Atlanta’s Morehouse College, Robeson-Smith earned his master’s degree at Brooklyn’s Long Island University, and soon began applying his skills. As an active member of the Masons chapter for more than 45 years, he has helped ensure that not only its members, but also the general public in Harlem, receive necessary support. They’ve provided clothing and food drives, as well as voter registration and campaign efforts, even during the COVID-19 crisis. They also reach young people, and manage the Prince Hall Colonial Park Day Care Center at the Polo Grounds, which has operated for more than 50 years.
“The future for me is to continue working for the people and be better than I was yesterday,” Robeson-Smith said. “I never lose touch in doing stuff for the people and never stop in doing the right thing.”
There was also a Testimonial Celebration Luncheon for Robeson-Smith on Saturday, April 15, at the VIP Country Club in New Rochelle, New York.
Fraternal Greetings now that’s what Masonry is about, doing the work where there you are Scottish Rite or Prince Hall we all have the same work to do. Uplifting falling Humanity. Brotherly Love,Relief and Truth. Scottish Rite Master Mason, York Rite Rayal Arch Mason
Very proud of you Robe I always knew you would grow be very special to your parents and represent our family in a dignified manner.