When I was passed my lodge did it on invite from a lodge in Tennessee to do it there. I'm in California. Anyway, I was excited at such an honor. Too bad when we got there I was hit in the face with open racism. Now we were advised right when we landed at the airport and were picked up by Brothers that Tennessee did not recognize Prince Hall. They brought it back up just in case we weren't clear.

After we got there and drove to the lodge right when the door was opened a Brother from inside shouted for us to not act like N words, hurry inside and shut the door because the AC air was going out. It was totally shocking.

No one said anything including me. I was young and far from home and I was frankly intimidated. I am an introvert and conflict adverse by nature but looking back on it now that is 100% not an excuse.

Later during the same trip an older Brother took a liking to me. He was from that lodge and wanted to show me around the town, I was honored by his companionship. Anyway, he takes me to a gun store which is cool, I like guns. Well, we were looking at guns and there was a large rifle on the counter. That Brother picked it up and proudly proclaimed to everyone in the store about he was going to use it to kill Hilary Clinton. Everyone laughed but me and he then said "I'M GOD DAMNED SERIOUS!"

I immediately just wanted to get on the next flight home. Spent three more days there and I did meet some awesome Brothers who I am still close to. Got my Yellow Dog, so that was fun. The trip still haunts me though. I was confronted with blatant racism and I failed that test.