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Race, folklore and Mormon doctrine

By now the notion that we are in the midst of a Mormon moment is clichéd, although if Rick Santorum continues to threaten Mitt Romney in the GOP primaries, the public focus on the Latter-day Saints could fade. For the time being, however, my religion is being examined in the public square like never before. It can be an uncomfortable experience. Consider a recent Washington Post article on race and Mormonism. Before 1978, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints denied its priesthood, which is normally extended to all adult males, to black men. In examining the legacy of that ban, the Post interviewed Randy Bott, a religion professor at church-owned Brigham Young University.

Latter-day Saint Life

What President Jimmy Carter Said About the 1978 Priesthood Revelation

Read the touching responses of black members of the LDS Church when they learned about the 1978 priesthood revelation by following the link below.

Why My Race Is a Gift from God: Perspectives from an African American Latter-day Saint

By Keith Hamilton

*Editor's Note: This is a republication of an article written in 2011, prior to the release of the Church's essay "Race and the Priesthood" in 2013.

Latter-day Saint Life

Black Bishop Shares His Conversion and Experience with Unanswered Questions About Race and Priesthood

By Danielle B. Wagner

After being arrested at age 14, Donald Kelly knew something needed to change in his life.

Saluting Jane Manning James with a Nearly All Black Cast in BYU Play

During the final week of Black History Month, Brigham Young University is presenting a play about a black Mormon pioneer that requires nearly all African-American actors.

Mauli Bonner and Paul Reeve: Understanding the History of Blacks in the Church

In 1830, the same year the Church was organized, a former slave named Peter became the first documented Black member of the Church. Nearly 200 years later, Mauli Bonner first heard Peter's story when he started exploring his own faith as a Black member of the Church. This journey led him to Paul Reeve, a professor at the University of Utah who has studied Blacks in Church history extensively. On today's episode, Mauli and Paul explain not only the importance of the stories of early Black Latter-day Saints, but also how their stories can strengthen our faith and our testimonies of the restored gospel.

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Panther to priesthood: A Black Latter-day Saint’s experience with racism and belief

By Eddie Leroy Willis

For Ed Willis, life was one harsh blow after another. He sought higher meaning in the Black Panther Party, but ultimately only Jesus Christ brought peace.

Latter-day Saint Life

Q&A interview with author of raw, gritty memoir ‘Panther to Priesthood’

By Jake Frandsen

Ed Willis authored the raw, gritty memoir, ‘Panther to Priesthood.’ From matters of race to matters of the heart, here are a few principles he wants you to know.

Mauli Bonner and Paul Reeve: Understanding the History of Blacks in the Church

In 1830, the same year the Church was organized, a former slave named Peter became the first documented Black member of the Church. Nearly 200 years later, Mauli Bonner first heard Peter's story when he started exploring his own faith as a Black member of the Church. This journey led him to Paul Reeve, a professor at the University of Utah who has studied Blacks in Church history extensively. On today's episode, Mauli and Paul explain not only the importance of the stories of early Black Latter-day Saints, but also how their stories can strengthen our faith and our testimonies of the restored gospel.

Blacks and the Priesthood