Notes

Write a note in this area. It's really easy to share with others. Click here ..ist of Latter-day Saints, that the Negroes should receive all the rights and privileges that can possibly be given to any other in the true sense of equality as declared in the Declaration of Independence. They should be equal to ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.’ They should be equal in the matter of education. They should not be barred from obtaining knowledge and becoming proficient in any field of science, art or mechanical occupation. They should be free to choose any kind of employment, to go into business in any field they may choose and to make their lives as happy as it is possible without interference from white men, labor unions or from any other source. In their defense of these privileges the members of the Church will stand.” (Answers to Gospel Questions 2:185)

Smith goes on to say “if a Negro is baptized and remains true and loyal, he will enter the celestial kingdom.” But he also says, “but we cannot promise him that he will receive the priesthood.”

Little Rock Arkansas High Schools Close
In August, rather than allowing the public high schools to become integrated, the Little Rock school board canceled the 1958-59 school year for its four high schools.

1962
President McKay Calls Missionaries to Nigeria
Four missionaries are called to serve but the Nigerian government denies them visas.

Dr. A.F. Mensah of Ghana becomes a Believer
Sometime in 1962 a missionary tract, the Joseph Smith Story, found its way into the hands of a black religious leader in Ghana, Dr. A.F. Mensah. He converts several others, sets up a church congregation and corresponds with the Church missionary department.

James Meredith Accepted as First Black Student at the University of Mississippi
Twenty Nine-year-old military veteran James Meredith was accepted, on paper, as a student at the University of Mississippi. When the state realized Mr. Meredith was black, his entrance to the all-white university was denied. The governor and lieutenant governor each physically blocked his entrance to the school. Mr. Meredit