Discover Your Roots - Back By Popular Demand

African American Family History Conference - Sept 6, 2008

ST. LOUIS, MO…Back for the Second Year, Discover Your Roots Missouri, African American Family History Conference, provides an unprecedented gathering of resources to help you find your ancestors.

The all-day conference features noted speakers and classes and keynote address by Donn Johnson, Missouri History Museum Director of Communications.

Whether you have already begun to trace your family history or are just beginning, there are classes for you!

Discover Your Roots Missouri supports black family history.

Join us in St. Louis, Missouri on Saturday, September 6, 2008 from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, at 3905 McPherson Avenue, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (next to Metro High School in the Central West End)

Advanced registration is recommended. Space is limited, so register today! Preregistration is $25 and same day registration is $30, including lunch.

Register now at www.DiscoverYourRootsMO.com, or call 314-993-0420.

Supported by:

·       Community Education, Division of St. Louis Public Schools;
·       St. Louis Public Library;
·       St. Louis Genealogical Society;
·       The Blackworld History Museum;
·       St. Louis County Library;
·       Missouri State Archives;
·       Missouri History Museum; and,
·       Lindell Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Baptisms Result From Understanding Scriptures on Black Issues

News Releases & Stories

1. It’s One of the Best Kept Secrets - News Story

VALENCIA, California 16 July 2008 As part of the Black in America series airing on 23-24 July, CNN has launched an online series titled I Am which seeks to break through stereotypes by highlighting individuals who have ignored racial barriers and injustices. Marvin Perkins, an African American member of the Church, participated in this series. Full Story

2. Gladys Knight Reflects on Family and Faith - News Story

OTTAWA, Canada 1 July 2008 Gladys Knight’s son Jimmy III died in his sleep nine years ago at age 36. She recently told the Ottawa Citizen newspaper: “He brought me to my church and I just grew immensely from his example. I am happy in my spirit for where I know for sure he is. That (death) is something we all have to go through, it’s not our time and place to dictate when, where or what, it’s not our business. It belongs to the Lord and that’s how I’ve dealt with it. I know I’ll see him again.” Knight joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1997. Full Story

Alex Boye, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, once sang in a boy band in Europe. Now he sings in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He recently visited St. Louis to give a free workshop and concert. Read more in the St. Louis American:

Alex Boye may not be a household name in the United States, but in Europe during the late ‘90s Boye was the lead singer of the boy band Awesome. With hits in more than 15 countries and more than half a million CDs sold, Boye has performed alongside artists such as N’SYNC, The Backstreet Boys, Missy Elliott, Mary.J. Blige and George Michael.

Boye also is a member of the world-renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Boye feels right at home in the choir which is surprising, considering that being one of many in a unified choir is a stark contrast from being the center of attention in a boy band. Boye is thrilled to do the occasional spirited solo with a back-up of 300 voices, but mostly he works to blend in.

Source: Pop idol turned Christian rocker in town for workshop, concert

Church member Marvin Perkins is among the African-Americans featured in CNN’s “Black in America.” In this two-minute video, he explains why The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is “one of the best kept secrets” in American and the world.

“It’s funny because they automatically assume that I’m not Mormon because I’m black. There are few of us, but it’s growing. I know hundreds, if not thousands, of black Mormons.”

CNN Video: Marvin Perkins