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Becoming a Fanboy of Orson Pratt

Table of Contents: Becoming a Fanboy of Orson Pratt

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Orson Pratt - Becoming a Fanboy of Orson Pratt - Mormon History Podcast
Apostle Orson Pratt

Orson Pratt is a new hero of mine! With the last-lasting priesthood and temple ban that ended in 1978, Mormons have a poor record with regards to race relations.  I talked about reasons why Brigham Young changed from support of ordination of blacks to opposition my last episode, but Apostle Orson Pratt is a bright spot in Mormon history given his vocal support for black civil and voting rights.  Slavery was legalized in Utah in 1852 because of support by Mormon prophet Brigham Young.  However, his apostle/legislator Orson Pratt not only went on record to oppose slavery, but was a proponent of black voting rights!  Dr. Paul Reeve of the University of Utah describes his findings of recently discovered speeches of the 1852 Utah Territorial Legislative session.  My mind was blown to learn that a decade prior to the Civil War, Pratt was a proponent of voting rights for African Americans, and said “angels will blush” if Utah passed the slavery bill.  Please listen in!  You can get a transcript here, or at Amazon.

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More Podcasts with these Guests:

  • Should BYU Be Renamed Over Slavery? (Paul Reeve/Christopher Rich)
  • Was Brigham Young Wrong? (Paul Reeve/Christopher Rich 2 of 3)
  • Busting Utah's Slavery Myths (Paul Reeve/Christopher Rich 1 of 3)
  • How 1978 Revelation Affected Black Women
  • One Drop Rule/Problem (Paul Reeve 2 of 3)

Get more information on the people and things discussed in this episode:

  • Guest: Paul Reeve
  • Black Mormon History, Priesthood-Temple Restriction, Racism
  • Historical Mentions Mormon History, Orson Pratt
  • Tags: abolition, abolitionism, black voting rights., GT Podcast, iTunes, Orson Pratt, Paul Reeve, slavery

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PrevPrevious EpisodeThe Black Mormon Scandals
Next ExpisodeDating the LDS Priesthood and Temple BanNext
Orson Pratt was against slavery in Utah, and for black voting rights in 1852!
  • Date: February 24, 2017
  • Guest: Paul Reeve
  • Black Mormon History, Priesthood-Temple Restriction, Racism
  • Historical Mentions Mormon History, Orson Pratt
  • Tags: abolition, abolitionism, black voting rights., GT Podcast, iTunes, Orson Pratt, Paul Reeve, slavery
  • Posted By: RickB

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Rick Bennett is the friendly host of Gospel Tangents LDS Podcast: The Best Source for Mormon History, Science, and Theology. Book Rick for your fireside or conference.

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Rick Bennett, Host of Gospel Tangents

Rick Bennett is the friendly, independent historian at the heart of Gospel Tangents LDS Podcast: The Best Source for Mormon History, Science, and Theology. When he isn't interviewing Mormon scholars, prophets, and others, he is teaching math and statistics at Utah Valley University. He also freelances as a research biostatistician in the fields of Dermatology and Traumatic Brian Injuries, as well as in the network television/cable T.V. industries as a sports statistician. Rick holds a Master of Statistics Degree from the University of Utah.

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