PHA has a great tradition, legacy and history of honor but to me, it seems to be a throwback to the segregation days. Since black men weren't allowed to join "regular" lodges, they started their own, which I find extremely brave and admirable for that time. I think the only way to remove racism is to integrate all lodges, PHA and non-PHA, in each state as one Grand Lodge. I think PHA is beautiful and should be apart of the Masonic family but maybe sort of like the Scottish Rite or York Rite, as an additional degree or other appendant body. It isn't intended to segregate in this day and age but at one time it was "necessary" with the old segregation laws that have been abolished for a long time. "Separate but Equal" was the norm in everyday life at one time but is not the norm anymore and I think in Masonry, one way to get rid of racism is to integrate all lodges. A state simply recognizing PHA isn't enough to me. And by the way, some states don't do that, even in the 21st century. If we want to be on the level, then let's be on the level. If a racist man walks in to petition a lodge and was to see men of all colors, creeds, religions and orientations, that'd really weed out the bigots and racists.
I understand there are white PHA Masons and that is awesome. I even considered it when I was coming in but I didn't know how I'd be received or if that was faux pas or not. I know now it would have been fine but why is this passive-aggressive segregation still around or considered necessary?