Todd Noall
Fact Checked by Kevin Prince
Last Updated: March 7, 2025
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has a long, complex history when it comes to race, particularly with mormon black people. For many years, Black individuals were not allowed to hold the priesthood or fully participate in temple ordinances. Despite these challenges, many remarkable Black individuals have been members of the Church, some even long before the restrictions were lifted in 1978.
In this blog post, we will explore a list of influential Black Mormons, ranging from those who were among the first to join the Church to contemporary figures who are paving the way for future generations.
Early Pioneers and Historic Figures
1. Elijah Abel
One of the first mormon black people to join the Church was Elijah Abel, who was baptized in 1832. Abel worked as a laborer and a farmer, and he was also called to serve a mission in the Eastern United States. His story is significant because he was one of the first Black men to hold the priesthood, which was a rare occurrence at the time.
2. Walker Lewis
Walker Lewis was another early African American convert. Baptized in 1836, Lewis was an important figure in early blacks in Mormonism, even though much of his life remains underreported. His legacy as one of the first Black members of the Church adds to the diverse tapestry of early Mormonism.
3. Jane Manning James
Perhaps one of the most well-known Black pioneers in the history of the Church is Jane Manning James. Born free in Connecticut, she worked as a servant in the home of Joseph Smith. James was a strong and vocal member of the Church but faced many challenges in her pursuit of temple ordinances. Though her request for temple ordinances was initially denied, she continued to petition the Church. She was posthumously endowed in 1979, and her faith and resilience were later honored by Church leaders, including President Joseph F. Smith, who spoke at her funeral in 1908.
4. William McCary
Another early convert, William McCary, joined the Church in the 1830s and was notable for his leadership in the early Black Mormon community. McCary’s experience in blacks and Mormonism is important as he represents some of the complexities of racial issues within early Mormonism.
The 1978 Revelation and Key Figures
In 1978, the Church lifted its priesthood and temple restrictions for Black members, a significant milestone in the Church’s history. Following this revelation, several important individuals made a lasting impact.
5. Joseph Freeman, Jr.
Joseph Freeman, Jr. became the first African American to receive the Melchizedek priesthood after the 1978 revelation. Freeman was also the first Black member to receive temple ordinances, and he was sealed to his wife and children in the Salt Lake Temple in 1978 by then-Apostle Thomas S. Monson.
6. Gladys Knight
Singer and performer Gladys Knight, known as the “Empress of Soul,” joined the Church in 1997. Knight is a prominent figure in the African American community, and since her conversion, she has used her platform to raise awareness about black people in Mormonism. She also directs the choir “Saints Unified Voices,” which showcases the musical talents of Black Mormons.
Prominent Black Mormons in Sports and Entertainment
7. Thurl Bailey
Thurl Bailey, a former professional basketball player and singer, is another notable Black Mormon. Bailey was a key player for the Utah Jazz and later turned his talents to music, performing in various venues and sharing his faith through his work.
8. Ezekiel Ansah
Ghanaian-born football player Ezekiel Ansah also brings international attention to the Mormon faith. Ansah played for the Detroit Lions in the NFL, and his story adds to the global reach of the Church.
9. Alex Boyé
Alex Boyé, a British-American singer and actor, is another well-known Mormon black person who has enjoyed success in the entertainment industry. Boyé’s upbeat music and enthusiastic performances inspire people around the world, and he is a proud advocate for his faith.
10. Jabari Parker
Jabari Parker, a professional basketball player in the NBA, is a Black Mormon who has openly discussed how his faith has shaped his career and life. Parker’s story represents the modern-day intersection of faith, sports, and identity.
Other Notable Figures
11. Mia Love
Mia Love, the former mayor of Saratoga Springs, Utah, and a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, is an influential black person in Mormonism. She was the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, showcasing the impact that black people in Mormonism are making in political spheres.
12. Alan Cherry
Alan Cherry, a singer and actor, also brings his talents to the Mormon community. His work in both music and performance art highlights the diversity within the Church, offering inspiration to aspiring artists in the Mormon faith.
13. Burgess Owens
Former NFL player Burgess Owens has been a vocal proponent of both the Church and conservative values. He is currently a U.S. Representative from Utah, where he continues to use his platform to speak out on various issues.
14. Marcus Martins
A sociologist and academic, Marcus Martins has made significant contributions to the study of sociology and community development, influencing both the African American and LDS communities.
Global Impact of Black Mormons
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints continues to have a global presence, with black members in Mormonism contributing to its growth and influence in various ways. In Africa, notable figures like Emmanuel A. Kissi, a Ghanaian medical doctor and writer, and Julia Mavimbela, a schoolteacher and community leader in South Africa, are helping to expand the reach of the Church. Their work in education and healthcare reflects the Church’s continued global impact.
15. Peter M. Johnson
Peter M. Johnson made history as the first African American General Authority in the Church. His leadership is a significant step forward in diversifying the leadership within the Church and providing representation for black people in Mormonism at the highest levels of the faith.
16. Joseph W. Sitati
Joseph W. Sitati, a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, represents the Church’s commitment to international leadership. Originally from Kenya, Sitati’s work emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion within the leadership structure of the Church.
The inclusion of mormon black people in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints offers a fascinating and vital perspective on faith and diversity. The stories of these individuals are a testament to the enduring legacy of African Americans in the Mormon faith, proving that can black people be Mormon? The answer is, absolutely yes.Through their struggles, perseverance, and contributions, these individuals have helped shape the Church and continue to inspire future generations of Black Mormons. The history of blacks in Mormonism is still unfolding, and it is clear that can blacks be baptized in the Mormon church is not just a theological question but an ongoing journey of faith and inclusion.
By Todd Noall, Source Expert
Todd Noall is an author and religious scholar at Mormonism Explained with a focus on the history and theology of religion.
Fact Checked by Mr. Kevin Prince, Source Expert
Kevin Prince is a religious scholar and host of the Gospel Learning Youtube channel. His channel has garnered over 41,000 subscribers and accumulated over 4.5 million views. Mr. Prince also created the Gospel Learning App, a reliable platform where individuals seeking truth can access trustworthy answers to religious questions from top educators worldwide.
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