Alex Haley: The Life and Legacy of a Freemason

Written by Rough Ashlar with research assistance from ChatGPT

Alex Haley was a renowned American writer, best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, "Roots: The Saga of an American Family." Through his work, Haley captured the stories of African American history and culture, drawing on his own family's experiences and the collective memory of his community. But beyond his literary accomplishments, Haley was also a member of Freemasonry, a centuries-old fraternal organization with a rich history of its own.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at Alex Haley's life and legacy, as well as his involvement with Freemasonry. We'll explore the origins and tenets of this venerable organization, as well as its role in American history and culture. Through this lens, we'll gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the myth, and the values that guided him throughout his life.

Early Life and Career

Alex Haley was born in Ithaca, New York, in 1921, the eldest of three children. His father, Simon Haley, was a professor of agriculture at Alabama A&M University, and his mother, Bertha Palmer Haley, was a schoolteacher. From an early age, Haley was exposed to the power of storytelling, as his family would often gather around the fire to share tales of their ancestors and their struggles in the American South.

As a young man, Haley enlisted in the Coast Guard, where he served for 20 years. During his service, he began to write articles and stories for various magazines, including Reader's Digest and The Saturday Evening Post. His first book, "The Autobiography of Malcolm X," was published in 1965, and became a bestseller. The book was based on a series of interviews that Haley conducted with the civil rights leader, and helped to bring Malcolm X's message of empowerment and self-determination to a wider audience.

"Roots" and Beyond

Haley's greatest literary achievement, however, was "Roots: The Saga of an American Family," which was published in 1976. The book tells the story of Kunta Kinte, a young man from Gambia who is sold into slavery and brought to America, and his descendants over several generations. Drawing on his own family's history and extensive research, Haley created a sweeping narrative that captured the experience of millions of African Americans.

"Roots" was an immediate sensation, selling millions of copies and spawning a hit television miniseries that aired in 1977. The book and the miniseries sparked a national conversation about race and identity, and helped to popularize the study of genealogy and family history. Today, "Roots" remains a landmark work of American literature, and a testament to Haley's commitment to preserving the stories of his people.

Haley's involvement with Freemasonry

Alex Haley was a member of Freemasonry, a fraternal organization that seeks to promote moral and spiritual values, and to foster brotherhood and charity among its members. Haley was initiated into Freemasonry in 1970, at the age of 49, and became a member of Joppa Lodge No. 55 in Annapolis, Maryland. He later affiliated with other lodges in Tennessee and California.

Haley was deeply committed to the values of Freemasonry, which include brotherhood, charity, and a belief in a higher power. He saw his membership in the fraternity as a way to deepen his spiritual practice and to connect with a community of like-minded individuals. In particular, he was drawn to the Masonic emphasis on self-improvement and personal growth, which resonated with his own lifelong quest for knowledge and understanding.

As a Mason, Haley participated in various Masonic activities and events, including lodge meetings, charity events, and social gatherings. He also served in leadership positions within the organization, including Deputy Director of the National Conference of Grand Masters, an organization that represents the Grand Lodges of the United States.

Haley's involvement with Freemasonry was an important part of his life and his personal philosophy. He saw the fraternity as a way to live out the principles of brotherhood, charity, and self-improvement in a tangible way, and to connect with a community of individuals who shared his values. His commitment to these values was evident in both his writing and his life, and helped to shape his enduring legacy as a writer, a thinker, and a member of the human family.

Alex Haley passed away on February 10, 1992, in Seattle, Washington, at the age of 70. He had been suffering from various health issues, including heart disease and kidney failure. Despite his declining health, however, Haley remained active and engaged until the end of his life, continuing to write and speak about his experiences and his vision for a better world. He is remembered today as a pioneering writer, a committed social activist, and a symbol of hope and perseverance for generations of readers around the world.