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MormonTimes.com: Documentary chronicles history of black Mormons

I look forward to learning more about these stalwart pioneers.

I grew up in the 50s and 60s with the prejudices that were common in my community (not in Utah). I didn't think much about the ban on blacks in the priesthood until I served a mission in Brazil. I saw first hand the burden of the policy on faithful members who had, or may have had, African ancestry. It was no longer some abstract idea to me. I rejoiced when the policy ended in 1978, and I still rejoice when I see black members in church and in the temple. I came to believe that the policy was a product of mortal human frailty rather than a manifestation of pre-mortal judgment. I occasionally have heard older members who still embrace the old folklore. I don't hold much hope for them, but this documentary should help the younger generation to accept black members in full fellowship. Moses needed 40 years in the desert to change the Israelites' way of thinking. By that schedule, we seem to be on track to move beyond the old ways in race relations.

As a british man of Jamaican origin who was baptized into the church in 1969, it will be of some interest to learn from this documentary. Very few black members on this side of the pond are aware of these hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered.

IT WAS NOT PREJUDICE. JUST IGNORANCE.

Prejudice and ignorance are closely related. Ignorance leads to prejudice. I would say that yes, they were prejudiced and yes, they were ignorant. Doesn't mean they were bad people, but even the most learned men can be unbelievably ignorant on some issues.

I have been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for over 20 years now as a convert and was very unpleasantly surprised after finding out the priesthood wasn't able to be held by African American men until 1978. I was pleasantly surprised to learn from this article that in the beginning of the church, they were able to have it. What a shame it was taken away in the first place. Heavenly Father does not discriminate and going forward, hopefully as church members we can help by reaching out to those of all races, nationalities, etc. and be as we should - non-discriminate and love others as Jesus would want us to.

As a lifetime member I remember the days when the Black members were denied the responsibility of holding the priesthood. It was done by a loving father because the blacks did not need that added responsibility. As women do not need that added responsibility.
However, we always knew that the time would come when they would receive the priesthood. We saw the changes that come in our country with the way the blacks were treated and I rejoiced as I saw the changes.
When the word came on the radio, I will never forget I was driving on the freeway with my kids. I heard the news and had to pull over to the side of the road and I shed tears of joy.
We had heard stories of the news about the progress and groups of black members so it was not so unexpected.