Additional Resource

Legacy of Black Latter-day Saint Pioneers

Nearly 800 Latter-day Saints and friends gathered for a two-day conference at the Washington D.C. Temple Visitors’ Center. “The Legacy of Black LDS Pioneers” conference was a chance for black members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to come together to speak and discuss black history and contemporary black issues.

 

The keynote speaker was Marvin Perkins, who talked about understanding the scriptures to better preach the gospel, especially among people of other cultures.

One of the motivations for holding the conference was the upcoming 40th anniversary (June 1978) of the priesthood being extended to all worthy male members of the Church.

Darius Gray, one of the founding members of the Genesis Group, a support group for black members of the Church, was honored for his contributions. He was presented with a walking stick topped with a lion’s head to symbolize his spiritual strength and leadership in helping guide black Latter-day Saints.

Read the LDS Church News report of the meeting.

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