Did Joseph Smith Own Slaves?
About this episode
The episode discusses the unveiling of a portrait of Joseph Smith Jr. at Morehouse College and the ensuing debate about his legacy in relation to slavery and race.
Tonight on The Mormon Newscast, our lead story comes out of Atlanta where Morehouse College has unveiled a portrait of Joseph Smith Jr. inside its Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel — placing the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the school’s International Hall of Honor alongside figures like Abraham Lincoln. The portrait was revealed at a vespers service on Feb. 1 and has ignited a lively discussion on campus and beyond about race, history, and how institutions choose to honor historical figures. Some see it as a recognition of Smith’s 1844 presidential platform opposing slavery and an attempt to build common ground, while others — including alumni and student leaders — argue it conflicts with Morehouse’s mission rooted in Black liberation and ethical leadership. In our other stories: Big Boo Boo by BYU that left families bewildered. A troubling update on gang violence tied to an LDS ward. The LDS Church’s response to the USA/Iran conflict. A new development in the kissing incident involving a Mormon Layton school employee. Has the Church changed its logos, we’ll see. A quirky look at how the dirty soda craze keeps spreading (and…
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