Mormon interviewed in CNN's Black in America

Marvin Perkins, a Black Latter-day Saint, was interviewed by CNN for the network's series, Black in America.  Thanks to Marvin for his contribution!

The interview can be seen here. 

LDS Church involved in new Northwest African American Museum in Seattle

The Mormon Church has donated software and materials to the new Northwest African American Museum in Seattle, Washington.  The new museum includes a genealogical research center.  The center has received volunteer efforts and genealogical records as a gift from the LDS Church.  

See this article.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been deeply involved in promoting genealogical research--a.k.a. family history--throughout the world.

The Church has helped launch and operate a similar endeavor in Cincinnati, Ohio: The Freedom Center, a museum dedicated to the National Underground Railroad/African American History.  The Church collaborated with the Museum to set up the genealogical center of the Museum there.

African American culture on display at Mormon Visitors' Center in Washington, DC

If you are in Washington, DC, or will  be visiting soon, please do NOT miss this great exhibit!  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Washington DC Temple Visitors' Center has opened an exhibit on African-American culture, history, and art.  The exhibit is open through March 2008.  Don't wait!  For more information, visit this site.

The Temple and the Visitors' Center are located just outside Washington in the town of Kensington, Maryland.  The area surrounding the Temple is beautiful, and the Temple grounds/gardens are fantastic.  Click here for a map and driving directions.

African American Mormon Pioneers

I stumbled across this great site! We know that there are very many Blacks in the LDS Church and numerous Black LDS leaders, but few people understand the extent of their role in Mormon history. The fantastic Darius Gray (former president of the Genesis Group) and Margaret Young (BYU professor) have introduced yet another resource to help people learn about Black LDS history.  Their new film, which is currently in post-production, is going to launch soon. You can see a trailer at this official documentary website.

For further information on Blacks in the Church, as well as African American Mormon History, please visit the official website of the Genesis Group, an official LDS organization.

Also, I'd like to share an important presentation by Darius Gray. It addresses issues surrounding African Americans and racial relations in the LDS Church.  He's also partnered with Marvin Smith to put together a great DVD set.