Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality w/ Dr. Matt Harris.

Today we are discussing pivotal moments, from the Church’s “Race and the Priesthood” essay to public statements on racism, and the ongoing struggle for meaningful engagement on these issues. Highlights include racial inequities, discussions on the lack of diverse representation in leadership, and the emotional impact of past and present racism on Black members. We are also covering controversial events like the fake apology prank, the “Be One” celebration, and Elder Oaks’ and President Nelson’s statements on race. Conversations extend to BYU’s Race Equity and Belonging Report, Brad Wilcox’s remarks, and efforts to make the Church and its institutions more inclusive. Join us as we examine how the Church addresses racism, the call for accountability, and the path forward for healing and equity.

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Join us as Matthew Harris returns to discuss Gordon B. Hinckley's efforts to address lingering racism in the church, the push to remove Bruce R. McConkie's Mormon Doctrine from shelves, and members' calls for an apology for the church's past racism. We also explore Elder Holland's attempts to rebrand these doctrines as "folklore," the continuation of racist teachings by BYU professors like Randy Bott, and the creation of the Gospel Topics Essays.

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Join us today as we meet again with historian Matt Harris to discuss his new book “Second Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality.” Matt Harris talks about the relationship between the Church and the John Birch Society and how the church changed its mind on supporting the Martin Luther King holiday. Additionally, Harris discusses how the harmful teachings of Bruce R. McConkie’s book “Mormon Doctrine” lived on even after his death. Professors Eugene England and Steven Epperson were pushed out of BYU for their more liberal views. How the Strengthening the Church Members Committee keeps these members in check.

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The priesthood and temple ban began when Brigham Young learned that Black Saints were marrying white women, fearing interracial marriage. When the ban was finally lifted it was only with the caveat that they continued to warn the members against interracial marriage. Church members have received mixed messages since then, with warnings against interracial marriage still found on the Church's website and in manuals. How should members make sense of these conflicting messages? Today, we're joined by Matt Harris and Summur-Rayn to discuss this topic.

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In this episode, we join Matt Harris to discuss the aftermath of lifting the priesthood and temple ban in the LDS Church. We explore how Bruce R. McConkie's account of the revelation was embellished and the damage control efforts by top church leaders. We also examine President Kimball's controversial remarks about Native Americans and his later regret over those comments. This discussion focuses on chapter eight of Matt Harris’ book, "Second Class Saints."

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What were the events and who were the key characters that led to the lifting of the priesthood and temple ban for black people? In this episode Matt Harris will answer those questions. Rumors have gone around that the ban was lifted due to the IRS threatening to take away their tax exempt status, or because of the lawsuits involving the NAACP, etc. Matt Harris puts many of these rumors to rest and answers the real reason why (and how) the ban was lifted. We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our donation goal to compensate Dr. Matt Harris for his contributions to this series. We sincerely thank everyone who supported this effort. While the goal to pay Matt has been met, producing this series incurred significant costs for the Open Stories Foundation. If you find value in this content and want to help cover these expenses and support future productions, we encourage you to donate at https://www.mormonstories.org/donate/... generosity makes a difference—thank you! Purchase Matt Harris' book here! “Second Class Saints” by Matt Harris

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In today's video, we dive into the protests at BYU during the 1970s, including threats from black activists and government pressure to increase diversity in hiring and recruitment. We'll also discuss a shocking incident during a basketball game where a Molotov cocktail was thrown into the crowd, narrowly missing the BYU sports announcer. The church's response to these threats (mostly fabricated by the Birch Society) included heightened security measures, with snipers stationed on the Mormon Tabernacle during General Conference. Joining us is Dr. Darron Smith to discuss Matt Harris’ new book, Second Class Saints. Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation!

We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our donation goal to compensate Dr. Matt Harris for his contributions to this series. We sincerely thank everyone who supported this effort. While the goal to pay Matt has been met, producing this series incurred significant costs for the Open Stories Foundation. If you find value in this content and want to help cover these expenses and support future productions, we encourage you to donate at https://www.mormonstories.org/donate/ Your generosity makes a difference—thank you!

Purchase Matt Harris’ book, Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality

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In the 1960s, Mormon Apostle Hugh B. Brown made significant efforts to lift the priesthood and temple ban for Black members of the church, even speaking with the media about the possibility of change. President Harold B. Lee, however, demanded that Brown stop speaking to the press and removed him from the First Presidency. Lee also forced Brown to sign a statement reaffirming the church’s racist doctrines. Join us with historian Matthew Harris as we explore the impact of Brown’s release, his faith journey, and insights from Harris's book Second Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality.

We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our donation goal to compensate Dr. Matt Harris for his contributions to this series. We sincerely thank everyone who supported this effort. While the goal to pay Matt has been met, producing this series incurred significant costs for the Open Stories Foundation. If you find value in this content and want to help cover these expenses and support future productions, we encourage you to donate at https://www.mormonstories.org/donate/ Your generosity makes a difference—thank you!

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Join us as we uncover what drove change within the Mormon Church, from government pressure on BYU to admit more black students to the church’s troubling response. We’ll dive into shocking letters sent to black prospective students, a five-step plan to keep them out, and the protests that followed. Learn how government intervention eventually forced the end of discrimination and explore why Mormon leaders were so uneasy with black students. This episode, featuring historian Dr. Matthew Harris, is part of our series on his book Second Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality.

We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our donation goal to compensate Dr. Matt Harris for his contributions to this series. We sincerely thank everyone who supported this effort. While the goal to pay Matt has been met, producing this series incurred significant costs for the Open Stories Foundation. If you find value in this content and want to help cover these expenses and support future productions, we encourage you to donate at https://www.mormonstories.org/donate/ Your generosity makes a difference—thank you!

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Purchase Matt Harris’ book, Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality

Donate to Matt Harris directly for this series with Donorbox

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Join us as historian Matthew Harris returns to discuss what happens when members of the Mormon Church First Presidency go rogue. We explore George Romney's support of Civil Rights versus Ezra Taft Benson's involvement with the John Birch Society. We'll also dive into the impact of white church members marching in the Civil Rights Movement and how figures like Stewart Udall, Cleon Skousen, Robert Welch, and Hugh B. Brown challenged the Brethren at Church Headquarters with their views and publications.

We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our donation goal to compensate Dr. Matt Harris for his contributions to this series. We sincerely thank everyone who supported this effort. While the goal to pay Matt has been met, producing this series incurred significant costs for the Open Stories Foundation. If you find value in this content and want to help cover these expenses and support future productions, we encourage you to donate at https://www.mormonstories.org/donate/ Your generosity makes a difference—thank you!

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Purchase Matt Harris’ book, Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality

Donate to Matt Harris directly for this series with Donorbox

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Join Nate Byrd, Summer-Rayn, Dr. Darron Smith, and John Dehlin as they tackle the uncomfortable truths of Mormon leaders supporting racial segregation. This episode dives into topics like the European origin theory of the lost ten tribes, the discovery of black ancestry in those who appear white, patriarchs’ treatment of the “Curse of Cain,” and a shocking statement by Mormon prophet Harold B. Lee about closing BYU rather than admitting black students. Featuring clips from the episodes with historian Matthew Harris.

We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our donation goal to compensate Dr. Matt Harris for his contributions to this series. We sincerely thank everyone who supported this effort. While the goal to pay Matt has been met, producing this series incurred significant costs for the Open Stories Foundation. If you find value in this content and want to help cover these expenses and support future productions, we encourage you to donate at https://www.mormonstories.org/donate/ Your generosity makes a difference—thank you!

⁠Show Notes⁠

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Purchase Matt Harris’ book, ⁠Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality⁠

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Join us today as we discuss the priesthood and temple ban with historian Matthew Harris. Today we will discuss Hugh B. Brown and his attempts to lift the priesthood and temple ban for black members of the church. Hugh B. Brown was an attorney and joined the First Presidency in 1963. He made countless efforts to convince the Brethren that the ban on blacks should be lifted and even told the New York Times that there was a strong possibility the ban would soon be removed. This response caused a great deal of problems at Church Headquarters.

We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our donation goal to compensate Dr. Matt Harris for his contributions to this series. We sincerely thank everyone who supported this effort. While the goal to pay Matt has been met, producing this series incurred significant costs for the Open Stories Foundation. If you find value in this content and want to help cover these expenses and support future productions, we encourage you to donate at https://www.mormonstories.org/donate/ Your generosity makes a difference—thank you!

Show Notes

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Purchase Matt Harris’ book, Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality

_________________________

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[email protected]

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In the 1950s and 60s, the Mormon church faced internal turmoil as a group of intellectuals known as the "Swearing Elders" challenged orthodox doctrines. This clash between free-thinking scholars and conservative leaders like Joseph Fielding Smith led to attempts at excommunication, spy infiltration, and the firing of liberal educators. Amidst this tension, Church President David O. McKay emerged as an unexpected protector of intellectual freedom. The period also saw the church grappling with civil rights issues and racial policies, as public pressure forced leaders to confront their teachings. This tumultuous era set the stage for decades of struggle between faith, scholarship, and authority in Mormonism.

We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our donation goal to compensate Dr. Matt Harris for his contributions to this series. We sincerely thank everyone who supported this effort. While the goal to pay Matt has been met, producing this series incurred significant costs for the Open Stories Foundation. If you find value in this content and want to help cover these expenses and support future productions, we encourage you to donate at https://www.mormonstories.org/donate/ Your generosity makes a difference—thank you!

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Join with us today as we continue to discuss the history of racism in the Mormon church with historian Matt Harris. We will discuss segregation in Utah, including blood banks, hotels, in Relief Societies, etc. In the 1950s a talk was given by Mormon leader Mark E. Petersen that generated a lot of backlash from critics. Matt Harris gives an insider's view into the minds of these Mormon leaders and how they were not all in agreement with the priesthood and temple ban.

We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our donation goal to compensate Dr. Matt Harris for his contributions to this series. We sincerely thank everyone who supported this effort. While the goal to pay Matt has been met, producing this series incurred significant costs for the Open Stories Foundation. If you find value in this content and want to help cover these expenses and support future productions, we encourage you to donate at https://www.mormonstories.org/donate/ Your generosity makes a difference—thank you!

Purchase Matt Harris’ book, ⁠Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality⁠

Mark E. Peterson's Talk: Race Problems As They Affect The Church : Internet Archive

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Join us today as we discuss Mormon the priesthood and temple ban with historian Matt Harris. We will be talking about missionary work in South Africa, patriarchal blessings for black individuals, the removal of church leaders because of their ancestry, and the notes from the top secret meeting that came to be known as the Bennion report. Nate Byrd of the Black Menaces is joining us today to share his perspective.

We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our donation goal to compensate Dr. Matt Harris for his contributions to this series. We sincerely thank everyone who supported this effort. While the goal to pay Matt has been met, producing this series incurred significant costs for the Open Stories Foundation. If you find value in this content and want to help cover these expenses and support future productions, we encourage you to donate at https://www.mormonstories.org/donate/ Your generosity makes a difference—thank you!

Purchase Matt Harris’ book, Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality

Show Notes

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Today we are joined by Dr. Darron Smith, Summur-Rayn Barrett, and Nate Byrd of Black Menaces to react to the first three episodes with Matt Harris. Their commentary unpacks Joseph Smith's complex racial attitudes, Brigham Young's implementation of the priesthood ban, and the painful legacy of racist doctrines. Their candid discussion highlights the urgent need for accountability within the Mormon church and grapples with the lasting impact of this racial discrimination.

We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our donation goal to compensate Dr. Matt Harris for his contributions to this series. We sincerely thank everyone who supported this effort. While the goal to pay Matt has been met, producing this series incurred significant costs for the Open Stories Foundation. If you find value in this content and want to help cover these expenses and support future productions, we encourage you to donate at https://www.mormonstories.org/donate/ Your generosity makes a difference—thank you!

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[email protected]
PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Social Media:

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Join us today as we discuss Mormon the priesthood and temple ban with historian Matt Harris. We will be talking about missionary work in South Africa, patriarchal blessings for black individuals, the removal of church leaders because of their ancestry, and the notes from the top secret meeting that came to be known as the Bennion report. Nate Byrd of the Black Menaces is joining us today to share his perspective.

We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our donation goal to compensate Dr. Matt Harris for his contributions to this series. We sincerely thank everyone who supported this effort. While the goal to pay Matt has been met, producing this series incurred significant costs for the Open Stories Foundation. If you find value in this content and want to help cover these expenses and support future productions, we encourage you to donate at https://www.mormonstories.org/donate/ Your generosity makes a difference—thank you!

Show Notes

YouTube

Purchase Matt Harris’ book, Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality

_________________________

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[email protected]

PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

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Join with us today as we discuss the priesthood and temple ban with historian Matt Harris. Joseph F. Smith and Joseph Fielding Smith, both Mormon leaders, could not find any doctrinal bases for the priesthood and temple ban and yet it still remained for decades. Members of the church performed blackface and wrote racist poems published in church periodicals. Many of the Mormon leaders did not agree with the ban and some were even removed from their callings because of their different opinions.

We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our donation goal to compensate Dr. Matt Harris for his contributions to this series. We sincerely thank everyone who supported this effort. While the goal to pay Matt has been met, producing this series incurred significant costs for the Open Stories Foundation. If you find value in this content and want to help cover these expenses and support future productions, we encourage you to donate at https://www.mormonstories.org/donate/ Your generosity makes a difference—thank you!

Purchase Matt Harris’ book, Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality

_________________________

• Mormon Stories Website

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[email protected]

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In this new series on Mormon Leadership, historian Matt Harris discusses Mormonism's early racism, focusing on the priesthood and temple ban for Black members. He explores the church's opposition to civil rights, the experiences of Black Latter-day Saints like Jane Manning James and Elijah Abel, and the evolving theology around race. Harris challenges misconceptions about prophetic revelation and the origins of the ban, shedding light on this complex and painful history.

We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our donation goal to compensate Dr. Matt Harris for his contributions to this series. We sincerely thank everyone who supported this effort. While the goal to pay Matt has been met, producing this series incurred significant costs for the Open Stories Foundation. If you find value in this content and want to help cover these expenses and support future productions, we encourage you to donate at https://www.mormonstories.org/donate/ Your generosity makes a difference—thank you!

Show Notes

YouTube

Purchase Matt Harris’ book, Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality

_________________________

• Mormon Stories Website

• YouTube

• Patreon

• Apple Podcasts

[email protected]

PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

• Insta: @mormstories

• Tiktok: @mormonstoriespodcast

• Join the Discord