Photograph in pamplet for families once blacks were granted the priesthood.

Image courtesy of Utah State University Special Collections. 

 The Doctrine was Racist

The priesthood of the American-founded Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) is the cornerstone of all doctrine, ordinances', and cultural rites. It saves by baptism, it seals couples together in marriage, and it performs a number of other necessary functions. From the early days of the Church in the mid-19th century, to the mid-1970s, black men were excluded from the office of the priesthood on the grounds that their race was descended from Cain and therefore cursed.

Although many church members believed they were following the teachings of church leadership, the priesthood ban excluding people of color was discrimination.