California Freemason Magazine: Prince Hall IssueCalifornia Freemason Magazine: Prince Hall Issue
Best Nonprofit Publication (Print or Digital)
Category: Best Nonprofit Publication (Print or Digital)
Project Name: California Freemason Magazine: Prince Hall Issue
Company: Masons of California
In 2024, California Freemason Magazine achieved a historic milestone with its Prince Hall issue, uniting the Masons of California and the Prince Hall Masons of California under a single banner for the first time. This collaboration aimed to instill pride in members, combat negative perceptions, and present a contemporary view of Freemasonry while building bridges between the two historically independent organizations. The issue introduced members to the proud history of Prince Hall Masonry, positioning it as an essential and often overlooked part of Freemasonry’s legacy in California and beyond.
The magazine’s structure was reimagined into three sections — Then, Now, and Faces — to better tell the story of Prince Hall Masonry. Every aspect of the issue, from brainstorming to art direction, was a collaboration with Prince Hall counterparts, ensuring their full buy-in and enthusiasm. The cover featured a vibrant stained glass portrait of Prince Hall, blending traditional techniques with a modern edge to honor his legacy as a champion of civil rights in Revolutionary America. Feature articles included a scholarly history of Prince Hall by historian Chernoh Sesay Jr., profiles of contemporary Prince Hall members, and archival material sourced from the African American History Museum in Oakland, much of which had never been published before.
By subverting expectations and celebrating a shared history, the Prince Hall issue fostered trust, unity, and pride among members of both organizations, using California Freemason Magazine as a powerful platform to amplify this historic collaboration.
Why they're award winning:
Innovative content structure: Reimagined the magazine’s format into three sections — Then, Now, and Faces — to tell a cohesive and engaging story
Bold visuals: Featured a contemporary stained glass cover and vibrant photography, blending tradition with modernity
Archival depth: Included rare materials from the African American History Museum, bringing untold stories to light
Mission-driven impact: Fostered trust, unity, and pride while celebrating a shared history and legacy