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In this episode, Isaac Thomas shares the story of how he gained a testimony and joined the church in 1976 at a time when he, as a Black man, could not receive the priesthood. He recounts the heartbreak and joy he found as he faithfully served and waited for a revelation that would restore the Priesthood to every worthy male member of the Church.

Latter-day Saint Life

Standing in a Celestial Room, the Beautiful Witness This Black Family Had a Year Before the Priesthood Revelation

A powerful article onlds.orgshares the faithful stories of black members of the Church and their experiences before and after the priesthood revelation in 1978. This is the story of the Martins family.

Recommended by Us

Celebrate Black voices with these LDS Living resources

We hope you will take the time to watch and listen to some of these stories and acknowledge the beauty of diversity, the importance of equality, and the power of discussion and conversation.

Videos

After Killings, LDS Musicians Sing Powerful Song "Glory"

What was a peaceful march in Dallas last week turned into a scene of hate and bloodshed. As protestors marched to bring attention to the lives of two black men killed by police in Minnesota and Louisiana recently, a sniper opened fire on police officers, leaving five dead.

Latter-day Saint Life

What (and What Not) to Say to Black People at Church

By LDS Living

Authorsand Time Out for Women presenters Tamu Smith and Zandra Vranes have long been a voice for black members of the Church under the name "Sistas in Zion." Now they've brought their witty humor to LDS Living readers in this fun and insightful new video. Here is a taste of one of their tips:

From the Church

One man shares his experience of learning of the history of race and the priesthood

Upon initially learning about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Danor felt it was what he had been searching for. But then he started to hear “rumors” that there was a period of time in the Church’s history when people of African descent were unable to receive the priesthood. And as it turned out, the rumors were true.

California stake president invites 3 black Latter-day Saint men to share their experiences with race

By Emily Linder

Given recent events, the topic of racism is at the forefront of people's minds. On Monday, President Nelson released a joint op-ed with the NAACP in which he wrote, “Solutions will come as we open our hearts to those whose lives are different than our own, as we work to build bonds of genuine friendship, and as we see each other as the brothers and sisters we are—for we are all children of a loving God.”

From the Church

LDS Church announces new version of scriptures

By Kaela Worthen Gardner

This update to the scriptures is a big deal--the last major revisions to the scriptures were made in 1981, when footnotes and cross references were added--but it wasn't a change that happened all at once.

Marie Osmond: Working for Our Faith

When Marie Osmond was a little girl, her mom told her that she could gain a testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon for herself. The witness she received in answer to her prayers has carried her in the 50 years since. She has spent her life in the spotlight and it has not been a life without challenges or mistakes, but Marie has stood by her faith again and again. On today’s episode, Marie reveals how her faith, a knowledge of the Atonement of Christ, temple attendance, and an understanding of eternal families has carried her throughout her life.

Famous Latter-day Saints

Jabari Parker Shares His Struggle Coming to Grips with Church History of Blacks and the Priesthood

Recently, The Ringer featured Jabari Parker and his Mormon faith. Here are a few highlights from the article: