Why didn't Black members get the priesthood for a time?
The Short Answer
From around the 1850s until 1978, Black men in the Church didn't receive the priesthood. The Church's essay says we don't know exactly how the restriction started. Faithful Black members like Jane Manning James and Elijah Abel stayed strong through all of it, and today every blessing is open to every worthy member.
Official Church Source
Related Questions
Still have questions? Talk to your parents, your bishop, or a trusted leader. Questions are part of faith, not the opposite of it.