Deseret News | Former Black 14 member works to demystify racial issues

Reader comments
Former Black 14 member works to demystify racial issues

Blessed Are The Peacemakers | 5:00 a.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Wonderful story. Mr. Hamilton sets an example of standing for something civilly we would all do well to follow during these tumultuous times in which we find ourselves. A true disciple of peace.

KC | 5:36 a.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Love the approach this man took. Attack the problem, not the people. Wonderful! And it absolutely helps bring people together despite their differences.

Oh, and love the beard. Seriously.

Anonymous | 5:38 a.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Incidentally, ever noticed to whom the greatest promises in the Book of Mormon are made? They aren't made to the "white" guys. Read it.

Comments continue below

Bear Laker | 7:34 a.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Anonymous, I guess you just want to continue to hate. The promises are made to all believers. Mr. Hamilton you are a great person. A good example. I was at BYU when that incident happened. I have learned a great deal from this story. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you | 8:28 a.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Thank you for sharing this story. Much can be learned from trying to respect both sides of an issue even if they disagree. Mr. Hamilton should be commended for his courage then and now as should the LDS church for having the courage to start the dialogue toward healing. Thank you for stepping out of the hate.

Wow.... | 8:29 a.m. Oct. 22, 2009

What an absolutely awesome article! I was very humbled in reading it and will study my own challenges I have with others. Thanks you!

Cats | 8:40 a.m. Oct. 22, 2009

To people like anonymous 5:38, the Church could NEVER do anything right. These are people who feel tremendous guilt and are trying to justify themselves by constantly attacking the Church. It's really sad. Mr. Hamilton is a great person and shows the way to healing.

Hope | 9:09 a.m. Oct. 22, 2009

This was truly an uplifting and positive story against racism! I grew up in the sixties and know there was a great division between the blacks and whites. We weren't even allowed to discuss this subject in our home! Thank you Mr Hamilton for addressing this serious problem and helping to rectify it. You are a good man! Anonymous, please soften your heart and let the healing begin! I love all my brothers and sisters regardless of color or race! This is what we are taught in the LDS faith!

Anonymous | 9:15 a.m. Oct. 22, 2009

To Cats,

Please drop all of your hostility in responding to comments. It doesn't reflect well on your religion.

What the Duece? | 9:19 a.m. Oct. 22, 2009

It's embarrassing to be a Mormon right now. First Prop 8 and now this.

Wonderful Story | 9:32 a.m. Oct. 22, 2009

I applaud Mr. Hamilton and his spirit of TRUE tolerance and equality. This is what it's all about. Love people with the true Love of Christ, even if we don't always love what they do, or even if what they believe hurts us. I served my mission as a "white guy" among Black people, and I grew to love them as my own family. I hope we can always remember to look for the good in others!

Anonymous Too | 9:33 a.m. Oct. 22, 2009

In addition to the Book of Mormon, I suggest that you also read Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin."

go ahead and call me names | 9:36 a.m. Oct. 22, 2009

was the church racist? sure. I must be one of the few who feel it's not necessarily the end of the world. people should have a right to associate with whoever they want. just as blacks should have a right to boycott the church if they want.

RE: Cats | 9:45 a.m. Oct. 22, 2009

The Bible clearly teaches equality of men: In creation,(Acts 17:26), In Salvation (John 3:16) In Guilt(Romans 5:12-21). When Joseph Smith was writting the BoM, pre-civil war there were some cultural differences in the world that effected him.

JanSan | 9:54 a.m. Oct. 22, 2009

I also really enjoyed this article and have great respest for this man.

I feel sorry for those who have to write demeening comments even after reading such a wonderful column on the importance of and how to get along when you don't agree.

SFC RET DENNIS | 10:50 a.m. Oct. 22, 2009

To What the Duece? | 9:19 a.m. Oct. 22, 2009 it’s embarrassing to be a Mormon right now. First Prop 8 and now this.
I guess you and people like you feel we should disobey GOD in favor of what God's children won't? Would you let you own children do whatever they won't even if it go’s agent the rules? God's laws are not for us to change just because we don't like or agree with them they are to be obeyed without complaint if we don't understand he's law we can ask for guidance and understanding but we should never murmur or complain.

Hamilton for President | 10:56 a.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Mr. Hamilton needs to replace the biggest loosers, Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson and he would be much better than the good for nothing vice president Biden

The likes of Mr. Hamilton are what we need in people with leadership positions

Hamilton for President

RE: JANSAN | 11:04 a.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Consider the source, Joseph Smith was a segregationists (H&C Vol 5 p 218),but many churches during the slavery era were not helpful, except the Quakers (underground railroad)this is a bad history lesson for all.

John Pack Lambert | 11:59 a.m. Oct. 22, 2009

I am still trying to figure out what about this article makes it embarassing to be a Mormon now. Can someone explain?
The Church has invited a man who led a protest against it to be a speaker at a Church function, a Church member was responsible for putting up a statue to remember the actions of this person, the man's son not only joined the Church but as a BYU employee recieves his livelihood from it (although since BYU chefs largely make their living off of people purchasing food, this connection might be slightly debatable, Malik is with BYU Catering specifically) and Darisu Gray, who went to Wyoming to combat the discord, speaks up in favor of Hamilton and his associates as exampls of non-violence.
Other than maybe gripping that the story seems almost too good to be true, I see nothing embarassing in it. What might be embarrassing is things that happened 40 years ago, although even then we must remember it was the University of Wyoming and not the Church that suspended these players.

Workinglate | 12:07 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Hamilton said something that is universally true but what many, many people don't understand at all:

"Hamilton believes it's possible to have a "fierce dialogue" about religion and still like each other."

I don't know why this is so difficult for people to understand - I can have a strong opinion about something and have a discussion with someone who completely disagrees with me but it's not personal. Too many people think that, if I disagree with your opinion, I must dislike you personally. I think, because Hamilton is one of the few who actually get that, he can facilitate this sort of discussion and is successful doing it. Whether it's politics, sports, economics, history, whatever - disagreeing with someone doesn't mean you have to dislike them. In politics particularly, all disgreements seem to turn into personal animosity, as if one is a function of the other. Sad.

Props to Mr. Hamilton for his approach.

JAYEG | 12:16 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

It is important to remember that Joseph Smith was not the author of the disgusting ban on worthy black men holding the priesthood, and indeed had ordained a number of them before he was murdered.

The author of this discriminatory practice was Brigham Young, and his bigoted practices and views were continued for a very long time by a long line of his successors.

I recall when it was announced at Church that the ban had been lifted, and that blacks would be allowed to hold the priesthood, quite a few members stood up and walked out of the building, never to return.

I was just a kid, and I couldn't understand why they were so mad about something which I considered to be very good news indeed for so many of my friends and their families.

Fredd | 12:35 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

I didn't see what was offensive about "Anomynous'" comment.

JAYEG | 12:38 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

It is interesting, don't you think, Mr.Lambert?

Many years ago, intermarrying with blacks was strictly forbidden by the LDS Church. Brigham Young even went as far as to say that any white man or woman who married, or mingled seed with blacks should be killed along with the black spouse, and any children they produced.

Things have certainly changed for the better in the LDS Church...which brings us to the fact that EVERYTHING changes...even the Church's stance on homosexuality.

I found it equally interesting to read in the news recently about the Louisiana Justice of the Peace who refuses to perform interracial marriages...even if he claims he has many black friends and even lets them use his bathroom.(LOL)

RE: JAYEG | 1:51 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Even before Brigham Young,Joseph Smith was against thr Abolitionists movement,(HC vol 3. p29)

Cowboy fan | 3:31 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Ryan Thornberg has recently written a book called "Black 14". You all might want to pick it up. Short book. Easy read.

The Wyoming coaches that year were HC Lloyd Eaton, Fritz Shurmur and Paul Roach.

Anonymous | 5:06 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

Malik Hamilton is an amazing man and has made a very positive impact on BYU Dining Services. Congratulations to Mr. Hamilton for raising a great son and supporting his conversion.

AK Cougar | 7:33 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

I have a daughter at Wyo this year and the incident is not forgotten. Mr. Hamilton, thanks for haveing the courage to speak up and out about the incident. You are right about the healing. I wish most other Wyo fans also wanted to heal. The students still, whose parents were just being born still keep the incident alive and well and full of hate. Incredible, but an interesting point that is rarely mentioned was the the Wyo coach booted the players and they still won the game. Hate has very interesting points. One of those reasons for Wyo to remember is they do not have any natural rival. Since they chose to hate BYU over that incidient, BYU was picked to become their hated rival.

Next months bash in Laramie will be fun for BYU fans as they simply beat down the Wyo Cowboys for their annual shellacking at the hands of their rival.

John Pack Lambert | 7:41 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

To the 12:28 commentator,
When did the Church ever forbid the marrying of people of European and African descent?
The most relevant quote I can throw out on this subject is "Inter-racial marriage is no sin" a sttement by Elder Spencer W. Kimball in the 1950s.
Your claim that the Church forbid inter-racial marriage is false.

THEeyepatch | 10:07 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

History lesson, but no one learns.

Bill | 11:20 p.m. Oct. 22, 2009

To JAYEG:

You do realize that where as there really isn't anything in the Bible or the Book of Mormon against interracial relationships and etc., there is the fact that one had to be of the house of Levi to hold the Aaronic Priesthood. Also, I too remember the day when the Church was informed of the revelation extending the Priesthood to all WORTHY male members. Yes, there were some that did walk out and some have never returned, but some did.

The other fact is that we don't always know why the Lord does what he does. I don't question the Lord's annointed very often. I do when I don't understand and I ask our Father in Heaven for guidance. I also seem to gain it in favor of the Prophet. Same-sex marriage and the act of homosexuality is not eternal principles and will hold eternal consequences. I don't believe the Church will ever change its course on homosexuality or same-sex marriage. It was known for quite a few years that blacks would some day hold the priesthood. Tht is what was taught. Some just didn't know when.

RE: JAYEG | 10:01 a.m. Oct. 23, 2009

JAYEG, sorry, my friend--wherever you've heard that "doctrine" of Brigham Young from, you've been fed a pack of lies. Don't be surprised if it turns out that your source for this misinformation has a VERY large ax to grind against the church. Much like asking a Ford car salesman for an opinion about Chevrolet.

It's time for healing from the wounds of the past--not for reopening them by building straw men and pretending they're real. Shall we stick to facts and respectful discourse?

Cowboy fan | 12:35 p.m. Oct. 23, 2009

To AK Cougar,

Your statement regarding Wyo's hatred on this matter not only confuses me, but offends me. You couldn't be further from the truth.

Let us not forget what caused this event in the first place. Black athletes on the UW football team wanted to wear black armbands to protest BYU and the LDS Church. They not only wanted to protest your policy and position at the time, but the treatment, including racial slander, they were subjected to by BYU football players in previous games. UW was one of the leading universities in granting black athletes scholarships to attend college. In order to understand this event, it is important to do so in the context of the mid 1960s. Civil rights protests were at their height across the country. Because of UW’s openness to the black athlete (in relation to other Universities at the time), our campus experienced more civil rights protests than other Universities in the region. And of course, this brought out the nutjobs of the day, protesting in return, against civil rights. This was an unfortunate “perfect storm” where a strict disciplinarian crossed with the civil rights movement.

Cowboy fan | 2:57 p.m. Oct. 23, 2009

AK Coug (cont)

Lloyd Eaton was a strict disciplinarian and reportedly told his teams many times and years before this event, that he would not allow civil rights issues to interfere with his football team and that none of his players, white, black or otherwise, was to get involved in civil rights issues. They were there to get an education and to play football. He coached possibly some of our greatest teams. He claimed, up to his death last year that personal racism had nothing to do with his decision; after all, he was one of the first coaches to actively recruit the black athlete. These athletes crossed his strict rule and were disciplined for that and only that.

This historical event was not caused by hatred on the UW campus. As I mentioned, this couldn’t be further from the truth. I attended UW 25 years ago and the event was celebrated (in recognition of these athletes) each year I was there. My son attends UW currently and the event’s 40th anniversary is being celebrated in a couple of weeks, with all of the black athletes from that team being invited to participate.

Good luck tomorrow.

JAYEG | 3:23 p.m. Oct. 23, 2009

I do find it interesting...how so many seem to consider any opinion which disagrees with the LDS Church, it's history, or the actions of it's leaders to be a personal attack on them.

I am a lifelong member of the LDS faith, for well over half a century now and I agree with many of the doctrinal teachings of the Church...and disagree with some of it's teachings, which are clearly not doctrinal and therefore...I do not feel compelled in any way to accept or agree with.

I support some of the policies, and edicts from it's leadership...and I disagree with others.

I will continue to exercise my free agency, and my Constitutionally guaranteed right to Free Speech in DISCUSSING the LDS Church as it applies to these news articles...as I see fit.

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