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The sources available to me span in time from 1830 - present. During that time frame several names have been applied to the African-American race. For consistency I'm going to use the name 'Blacks' when the comments are mine and reprint the term used when quoting sources. The reason I'm using this is because African-American only pertains to...African-Americans, while the doctrine and beliefs stated in this area pertain to the world. I hope my choice doesn't offend anyone.
Mormon doctrine in relationship with Blacks has been very negative from its beginning. I'm going to try and trace this relationship through time up to the present. The current Mormon position concerning granting Blacks the priesthood has changed, but not the basic teachings.
In Mormon theology, there was a grand war in heaven between Jesus's followers and Satan's. The point of contention was how to govern the Earth and the people who will live on it. Those who sided with Satan (1/3) were cast out with him and become his angels. The remainder were rewarded with receiving earthly life. (I know this is very brief, for more on this subject:) Pre-existence
Many Mormon leaders believed that Blacks were less valiant in the war in heaven, and therefore were punished with greater difficulties than whites while here on Earth.
Every worthy male has some form of the priesthood from the age of 12. It's believed by Mormons that they have the only recognized power and authority on Earth, and it flows through the priesthood. To be denied it makes you basically spiritually impotent.
Mormon though up to 1978 holds that no Black man can hold the priesthood due to their own misdeeds in heaven.
The Black race was started through the disobedience of Cain, and the murder of his brother Abel. Mormons believe that the Bible scriptures Gen 4:9-15 justifies this belief.
A few statements by Church leaders about this thought.
As history marched on, the flood of Noah happened.
Mormon thought up to 1978 held that anyone who's lineage included a inter-racial marriage was forever denied the priesthood. Since acceptance into the top kingdom of Mormon afterlife is reserved for worthy priesthood holders and their spouse(s), inter-racial marriages had been strongly discouraged.
Starting in the late 1960s, opposition to this doctrine from non-members were making themselves more and more vocal. Several colleges staged boycotts during sporting events against BYU, and there was even talk of removing BYU from the WAC conference. A few colleges refused to renew scheduled sporting events once their contracts expired. BYU was faced with collegiate sports extinction.
Faced with all this pressure from outside (and some from inside) the Church, a revelation was announced on June 9, 1978.
After this revelation was received, Elder Bruce R. McConkie has this to say.