[Black History] The Book of Mormon is published,
The dark skin is equated with a curse which was a result of rebellion, "And he had caused the cursing to come upon them, yea, even a sore cursing, because of their iniquity. For behold, they had hardened their hearts against him, that they had become like unto a flint; wherefore, as they were white, and exceedingly fair and delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them", cf. 2 Ne. 5:21.
The dark skin is explicitly presented as a "mark", a "curse... because of...transgression" and as a means of separating different cultures, "And the skins of the Lamanites were dark, according to the mark which was set upon their fathers, which was a curse upon them because of their transgression and their rebellion against their brethren, who consisted of Nephi, Jacob, and Joseph, and Sam, who were just and holy men. And their brethren
sought to destroy them, therefore they were cursed; and the Lord God set a mark upon them, yea, upon Laman and Lemuel, and also the sons of Ishmael, and Ishmaelitish women. And this was done that their seed might be distinguished from the seed of their brethren, that thereby the Lord God might preserve his people, that they might not mix and believe in incorrect traditions which would prove their destruction", cf. Alma 3:6-8.
It also states that it was "against [Nephite civil] law" to hold slaves, cf. Alma 27:9 and Mosiah 2:13. (1)
-- 180 years ago - Mar 19, 1830
Brigham Young's office journal notes: "Pres. Joseph Young reported that Almerin Grow would attend his councils at the Seventies Hall. The President requested Bro. A. Carrington to read an affidavit made by Almerin Grow that the Library was destroyed by Brigham Young. President Young observed he ought not to attend Seventies or Bishops Meetings." (2)
-- 150 years ago - Mar 19, 1860
A First Presidency letter stated: "There is much concern on the part of the brethren concerning the apparent increase in homosexuality and other deviations, and we call to your attention a program designed. . . to counsel and direct them back to total normalcy and happiness." The letter designated Apostles Spencer W. Kimball and Mark E. Petersen to "send material and give counsel." Apostle Kimball's "New Horizons for Homosexuals" (later titled "A Letter to a Friend") had sections titled "It is Curable" and "Multiply and Replenish," which recommended that homosexually-oriented young men should get married and father children as signs of overcoming their same-sex desires. (2)
-- 40 years ago - Mar 19, 1970
1 - http://www.xtimeline.com/events.aspx?q=Bif200802111550260291166
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
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