I live on the coast of Mississippi, I'm as far south as you can get. So I am familiar with meeting people that are ignorant and/or racist. In this part of the country that is not as prevalent as you think. During my instruction I asked why Prince Hall masons are not recognized. I was advised that recognition is not an issue of race. Prince Hall was conferring degrees before he received his charter from the grand lodge of England. Once the grand lodge found out of this his charter was removed but Prince Hall progressed anyways. Now I am sure there are some lodges that will not recognize a Prince Hall due to race, but the general consensus to the brothers I have spoken with on the topic will recognize a Prince Hall mason outside of lodge even though if a blue lodge member that knew could have him removed. With that said, brothers openly ignoring the grand lodge of the great state of Mississippi and privately recognizing Prince Hall!! Who would think of such a thing!
There are currently thirty-seven states that recognize Prince Hall, Mississippi will probably be the last one to officially give in. This is to let the reader know that even though lodges may reside in a state that is considered "behind the times" does not mean the brothers follow suit.