Brother CBlack, you are correct about what SOME tend to think, by simply looking at the designation..........However, the designation isn't misleading among those who are familiar with the rift between the PHA Brethren, and the John G. Jones AF&AM Brethren.......It's something that Mainstream brothers really don't have to deal with, because the rift which divided your Lodges was solved in 1813 with the Antients and Moderns coming together under the UGLE........
This particular deal is a rift that began over 140 years ago, in 1869, with the formation of said predominantly Black "AF&AM" Lodges and Grand Lodges by John G. Jones, a former 33rd Degree Prince Hall Mason and Attorney from Chicago, Illinois.....He began forming these "AF&AM" Lodges, without permission of the Mainstream Grand Lodge or Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the States in which they were formed. Hence, they were considered to be illegally formed, without proper lineage, and do not possess formal recognition by either of our GL bodies.
I have posted quite a few responses in other threads with more detail about the History behind this, and also the way one will KNOW he is speaking with a Brother Mason of African American descent who is a member of a predominantly Black regular and AND recognized Lodge.............It's simple-----If the Lodge is F&AM, and falls under the Jurisdiction of a PRINCE HALL AFFILIATED GRAND LODGE (PHA) of any State, that Brother can visit ANY Regularly Constituted Mainstream or PHA Lodge in the Country where Intervisitation is permitted between the GL's...........
The Nine States that don't permit visitation are in the South, and this is something that I think can and will be remedied in the near future...........Brother Butler, if YOU have joined a predominantly Black "AF&AM" Lodge/Grand Lodge, and the Men with whom you affiliate are GOOD MEN, and ALL that you seek is camaraderie, frequent fellowship, and the title of "Mason", then stay where you are.
HOWEVER, If you desire the ability to travel in other States and visit Regular AND Recognized Masonic Lodges, Possess Proper Masonic Lineage, Formal Masonic Recognition from one of the two GL bodies recognized by UGLE, and Affiliation with a Lodge Charter that traces back to one of the two Grand Lodges in England, (prior to 1813 merger, or UGLE AFTER the merger) you need to petition and join a Lodge under the Jurisdiction of either a Prince Hall Affiliated (PHA) Grand Lodge, or one of the Mainstream GL's in your particular State.
I asked in a previous response where you hailed from, Brother.........the conversation and our responses will be a lot less convaluded if we know from whence you hail. My District Brother Byron Upton gave you a very correct and concise response, which cut to the meat of the issue. I tried my best to give you meat with veggies for clarity. If there is any further inquiry, please advise...........I hope I was able to assist you with your question..................
Bro. Vincent C. Jones, Sr., Lodge Chaplain, Bayou City Lodge #228
Prince Hall Affiliation, Free and Accepted Masonry, Houston, Texas
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas