The United Supreme Council 33º AASR Southern Jurisdiction-PHA.

05/28/2026

A view of the 145th Annual Session of the USCNJ. Courtesy of Ed Brown.

05/25/2026

Fraters, Loyal Ladies and Friends:

On this Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. As members of the Prince Hall Scottish Rite family, we understand that liberty is never free; it is bought with a price.

Today, we look back with deep gratitude at the heroes who stood in the gap for our nation. We remember the trailblazers, the members of our communities, and our own Masonic brothers who answered the call of duty, never to return. Their bravery is the foundation upon which our daily peace is built.

We are reminded of the sacred wisdom in Proverbs 27:17: "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. " The legendary giants of our history did not walk alone; they sharpened the resolve, character, and courage of everyone around them, forging a legacy that time cannot erode.

In a special way, we call to remembrance our fallen brother, Navy Information Systems Technician First Class Johnnie L. Doctor Jr.. A dedicated 14-year veteran and Prince Hall Mason, Brother Doctor made the ultimate sacrifice at the age of 32 at the Pentagon during the tragic events of September 11, 2001. His selfless service, love for his country, and dedication to our fraternity serve as a powerful beacon of what it means to give "the last full measure of devotion."

We also honor the monumental legacy of Brigadier General Roscoe C. Cartwright, 33°, a giant in both our military history and our fraternal order. A veteran of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, General Cartwright broke barriers as one of the first African American generals in the United States Army. As a dedicated 33rd Degree Prince Hall Mason, his tragic passing in 1974 did not dim his light. His life's work of mentorship, leadership, and service continues to guide military officers and Masonic brothers to this day, truly sharpening the blades of future leaders.

Furthermore, we remember the immortal courage of Brother Medgar Evers, a World War II Army veteran who survived the battlefields of Europe only to sacrifice his life on the front lines of the American Civil Rights Movement. As a dedicated 32nd Degree Prince Hall Scottish Rite Mason, Brother Evers proved that the fight for freedom is fought both abroad and at home. His assassination in 1963 reminded us all that the cost of justice is high, but the edge he put on the sword of civil rights remains unyielding.

Let us do more than just remember their names. Let us live in a way that honors the legacy of heroes like Brother Doctor, General Cartwright, and Brother Evers. Let us continue to sharpen one another in our councils, our consistories, and our daily lives— lifting up our communities, protecting the vulnerable, and maintaining the principles of justice, truth, and brotherly love.

May the Great Architect of the Universe comfort the families of all our fallen heroes. Let us keep their memories alive in our hearts and in our actions. May God bless our Order, and may God bless the memories of our fallen soldiers.

Fraternally,

Dr. Corey D. Hawkins, Sr., 33°
Sovereign Grand Commander

05/24/2026

The delegation of the United Supreme Council, 33° A.A.S.R. PHA-SJ, USA, Inc attending the 145th Annual Session of the United Supreme Council, 33° A.A.S.R. PHA-NJ, USA, Inc in Detroit, Michigan.

We want to extend my sincere thanks to SGC Dr. Melvin J . Bazemore, 33° for the kind invitation and the hospitality, friendship and brotherly love that is consistently extended to the Southern Jurisdiction.

05/19/2026

Today, I had the privilege of participating in one of the most important responsibilities we have as citizens — exercising the right to vote in our primary elections. What made this moment even more meaningful was having my daughter by my side as we took part in the democratic process together.

Moments like these remind us that voting is more than a civic duty; it is a powerful opportunity to help shape the future of our communities, our states and our nation. Regardless of background, profession or political affiliation, every eligible citizen should make their voice heard at the ballot box.

I strongly encourage all members of our communities to participate in every election — local, state and national. Progress and accountability begin with engagement and engagement begins with voting. We must also continue teaching the next generation the value of civic responsibility, leadership,l and informed participation in our democracy.

Today was not simply about casting a ballot. It was about setting an example, honoring those who fought to secure these rights, and reinforcing the importance of remaining active participants in the future of our nation.

Corey D. Hawkins, Sr.
Sovereign Grand Commander

05/16/2026

The USC, 33° SJ was well represented at the 2026 COGM in Schaumburg, Illinois.

This is a testament to our alignment with ancient craft masonry and our steady work with Rebuilding the Rite.

05/10/2026

Greetings:

To the mothers, grandmothers and maternal figures within our community:

On this Mother's Day, we pause to recognize and honor the lasting influence of your love, your strength and your quiet sacrifices. You are the foundation upon which families are built and sustained and your guidance shapes the character of generations yet to come.

Your presence brings stability in uncertain times, wisdom in moments of decision and compassion where it is needed most. These are not small things-they are the very qualities that hold communities together.
Scripture reminds us, "Her children arise up and call her blessed' (Proverbs 31:28).

Today, we join in that recognition, expressing our respect and gratitude for all that you do, often without recognition and without rest.

On this day, we hope you are surrounded by appreciation, by peace and by the love you so freely give to others. You have earned it.

Thank you for your dedication, your strength and your enduring grace.

Wishing you a blessed and meaningful Mother's Day.

Sincerely and respectfully,

The United Supreme Council-Southern Juridiction

04/30/2026

The Official Statement on the recent SCOTUS decision.

04/28/2026

It was both an honor and a privilege to attend the recent Council of Deliberation in Alabama. I extend my sincere appreciation to Deputy Robert Glenn, the State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler, and all Fraters and Loyal Ladies of the Orient of Alabama for hosting an exceptional and well-executed session. Your dedication, unity, and spirit of excellence were clearly evident throughout the proceedings.

The Alabama Council of Deliberation exemplified the very best of our principles—brotherhood, service, and unwavering commitment to the work. I commend each of you for your efforts and look forward to the continued growth and success of the Orient.

Fraternally and sincerely,

SGC Corey D. Hawkins, Sr., 33º

04/20/2026

Fraters & Loyal Ladies of the USCSJ:

Recently, I was informed by Sovereign Grand Commander James D. Cole, 33°, of the Supreme Council, Southern Jurisdiction (Mother Council of the World), that students with a family connection to a 32nd or 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason of our Supreme Council are now eligible for the Scottish Rite Endowment Graduate Fellowship and Undergraduate Scottish Rite Scholarships at The George Washington University.

In 1927, the Supreme Council, Southern Jurisdiction donated one million dollars ($1 million) to George Washington University. This became the foundational endowment to begin their school of government. Today, multiple, significant scholarships are awarded to scholarship applicants who can document relationships to Scottish Rite Masons. The University receives and evaluates scholarship applicants, but the Supreme Council, SJ determines the relationship to a Scottish Rite Mason. After a student applies for the scholarship at the University, the University requests the Supreme Council, SJ’s staff to confirm the Scottish Rite relationship. If there is an application submitted by the relative of one of our members, the Supreme Council, SJ will contact our Grand Secretary-General, H:.E:. for confirmation.

The George Washington University offers the Scottish Rite Endowment Graduate Fellowship and Undergraduate Scottish Rite Scholarships for students with a family connection to a 32nd or 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason. Graduate fellowships support full or part-time master’s/doctoral students, while undergraduate awards are merit-based, offering substantial tuition coverage. For more information, to include eligibility and application requirements, as well as, the award process please click on: https://gradfellowships.gwu.edu/scottish-rite-endowment-graduate-fellowship-second-competition. Students applying must contact The George Washington University directly, not the Supreme Council, SJ.

This gesture is evidence of the united effort between the Supreme Councils to strengthen our bond and to enhance the membership experience. The cost of a college education is very expensive. I encourage you to please take advantage of this grand opportunity and explore the program at The George Washington University.

Fraternally,

Dr. Corey D. Hawkins, Sr., 33°
Sovereign Grand Commander

Tuition fellowships funded by income from a Scottish Rite endowment given to the George Washington University, are awarded for the academic year to full-time

04/18/2026

Fraters, Loyal Ladies & Friends,

Greetings:

In July of 2025, the four Sovereign Grand Commanders, at our annual summit, held in Philadelphia, PA, agreed to participate in a united effort to support a charity. We each appointed fraters as members of a
committee to identify a worthy charity to make a collective donation. The committee agreed on the non-profit Tunnels to Towers.

Since 9/11 Tunnels to Towers has been helping America’s heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. They are also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to never forget that dreadful day, September 11, 2001.

Because this year is the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the four Sovereign Grand Commanders plan to make a check presentation to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation on September 11, 2026.

The Tunnels to Towers Foundation is a 501(c)(3) entity, therefore donations are tax deductible. We solicit your contributions to support this worthy cause. You may make your contributions and learn more about
Tunnels to Towers by scanning the QR code or clicking the link below. Please share this with your Scottish Rite Bodies, friends, and families.

Thank you for your support and may God bless you, our veterans, and
the United States of America.

Dr. Corey D. Hawkins, Sr., 33°
Sovereign Grand Commander