Blacks and the LDS Priesthood

This videocast featuring Darius Gray and Margaret Young is a rich presentation exploring the history of Blacks and the priesthood, beginning with the organization of the Church and continuing through the 1978 revelation. Gray and Young combine exhaustive research with statements from Church leaders to examine the facts regarding the priesthood and African-American members of the Church.

In addition to scriptural history, the videocast—done in interview format—provides a partial chronology of Blacks and the priesthood and discusses Joseph Smith's statement on slavery, early Church leader reaction to the baptism and ordination of Elijah Abel, the priesthood ordination of Elijah Abel's lineage, conflicting accounts that led to confusion and misunderstanding, and the actions and attitudes of recent Church leaders—including the time the priesthood ban was almost lifted, and President Gordon B. Hinckley's statement on racism.

To access the videocast, click here.

Roots Television: Addresses from AAHGS Conference

The Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS) held its 28th National Conference, "The Legacy of our Roots: A Heritage for the Future," in Salt Lake City October 26-29, 2006. The premier African-American organization of its kind in the country. AAHGS exists to teach persons of all races how to do genealogical and historical research, with a special emphasis on that of African-Americans. AAHGS is a non-profit membership organization committed to the preservation of history, genealogy, and culture of diverse groups from local, national, and international communities. It stresses the importance of history and genealogy by encouraging active participation in recording research and documenting personal family histories.

To hear the speeches from the convention in Salt Lake City, click here.