If perseverance in the face of persecution is a mark of divine chosenness and a key to Mormon identity, then black Latter-day Saints are “doubly Mormon,” argues Max Mueller, a Harvard-trained non-Mormon scholar.
www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogsfaithblog/53668023-180/mormon-james-lds-mueller.html.csp

Because of a recent statement by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strongly denouncing all forms of racism within and without the Church both past and present, many are curious about the history of the Church’s restrictions on priesthood, a policy that ended thirty four years ago. An article in BYU Studies on this topic, published originally in 2008, has recently come available: “This article is the definitive scholarly treatment of the 1978 priesthood revelation,” says Professor John W. Welch, editor-in-chief of BYU Studies. …

ldsmag.com/church/article/9461?ac=1

Go to: www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/racial-remarks-in-washington-post-article or

www.blacklds.org/church-statement-regarding-washington-post-article-on-race-and-the-church

See also www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/race-church or

www.blacklds.org/the-church-and-race-all-are-alike-unto-god

See a related blog at: www.fairblog.org/2012/02/28/dispelling-the-myth-of-the-curse-of-cain

ldsmag.com/society/people/article/9415?ac=1

FORT LAUDERDALE — Bishop Fred Bethel sees his congregation as an example of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of brotherhood.            

Bethel, 40, of the Fort Lauderdale Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1100 S.W. 15th Ave., ministers to a diverse congregation that represents almost every face known to man. …

www.sfltimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8990&Itemid=331

ldsmag.com/church/article/9116?ac=1

“In this audio interview, BYU graduate Yeah Samake shares the story of his father’s vision for education which raised an entire family from hunger to prominence.  We’ll hear how his actions eliminating corruption as Mayor of a small town brought him to the attention of national leaders in Mali, and what he hopes to accomplish if elected President of Mali in April of 2012.  You’ll also learn what it’s like for brother and sister Samake and their children to be the only members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a country with a population which is 90% Muslim.”

See also ldsmag.com/church/update/article/9047?ac=1

www.byupoliticalreview.com/?p=102863

See the beautiful pictures from a missionary blog.

“The beauty of the country is only exceeded by the beauty in the hearts of these gentle people which is then deeply enhanced as they learn to climb the path of the restored gospel of Christ.”

Margaret Young wrote the following articles for Meridian Magazine about LDS Missionaries in Africa.

This is Part 2 of “The Real Elder Price and the Mormon Boys.” Read Part 1.

Disclaimer:  Obviously, The Book of Mormon Musical is intended to entertain, not to serve as a primer on Mormonism.  This series of essays is offered simply as a view of what missionary life is actually like for Mormon missionaries in Africa, not as a direct response to the musical—though there are a few responses.

Go to this link to read Part 2

Go to this link to read Part 3

Go to this link to read Part 4

Go to this link to read Part 5

Also here is another article related to the topic:

www.jweekly.com/blog/full/61975/comparing-broadways-mormon-hit-to-lds-missionary-reality/

A human-powered drill built by a team of BYU engineering students was meant to be inexpensive, easy to operate and easy to move. Field tests in Tanzania have shown the drill does just what it’s supposed to do.

Click here for video and story

“A Special Destiny” in Los Angeles and In Print (The Portrayal of Early African American LDS Pioneers)

For those of you in the southern California area: the Special Destiny fireside honoring Black Mormon pioneers will now have TWO performances on July 30, at 3:00 pm and again at 4:30 pm, at the Los Angeles Temple visitors center! I have seen this production, and it is EXCELLENT. The stories, the music, will uplift and enlighten everyone who is there. It was standing room only last year. Looks like we’re getting a new tradition in celebrating pioneer history.

For those around the country and globe, we’ve launched the full text of the presentation on the Blacks in the Scriptures website, under the Blacks in LDS History link.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW: blacksinthescriptures.com/latterday-saints/