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On behalf of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel Assistants Program, we issue this public statement to express our concern regarding the decision to induct the oil portrait of Joseph Smith Jr., founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, into the International Hall of Honor at Morehouse College. Our beloved institution was founded in the aftermath of slavery to educate, uplift, and affirm the dignity of Black men. Our history is rooted in the affirmation of Black dignity and the pursuit of justice; therefore, those honored within our halls should reflect that legacy. Honoring a figure associated with a religious tradition whose early history includes racially exclusionary teachings and practices does not align with Morehouse's mission or heritage. Such an action does not reflect the Morehouse standard, nor the standard upheld by the Chapel Assistants Program. With righteous indignation, we have submitted a letter to Dean Lawrence Edward Carter Sr., respectfully requesting the immediate return of the oil portrait of Joseph Smith Jr. and the revocation of his induction. - The Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel Assistants Program | wasmormon.org
On behalf of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel Assistants Program, we issue this public statement to express our concern regarding the decision to induct the oil portrait of Joseph Smith Jr., founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, into the International Hall of Honor at Morehouse College. Our beloved institution was founded in the aftermath of slavery to educate, uplift, and affirm the dignity of Black men. Our history is rooted in the affirmation of Black dignity and the pursuit of justice; therefore, those honored within our halls should reflect that legacy. Honoring a figure associated with a religious tradition whose early history includes racially exclusionary teachings and practices does not align with Morehouse's mission or heritage. Such an action does not reflect the Morehouse standard, nor the standard upheld by the Chapel Assistants Program. With righteous indignation, we have submitted a letter to Dean Lawrence Edward Carter Sr., respectfully requesting the immediate return of the oil portrait of Joseph Smith Jr. and the revocation of his induction. - The Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel Assistants Program
Joseph Smith Portrait Unveiled at Morehouse College Chapel - “Honoring a figure associated with a religious tradition whose early history includes racially exclusionary teachings and practices does not align with Morehouse's mission or heritage... With righteous indignation, we have submitted a letter to Dean Lawrence Edward Carter Sr., respectfully requesting the immediate return of the oil portrait of Joseph Smith Jr. and the revocation of his induction.” - The Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel Assistants Program | wasmormon.org
Joseph Smith Portrait Unveiled at Morehouse College Chapel - “Honoring a figure associated with a religious tradition whose early history includes racially exclusionary teachings and practices does not align with Morehouse's mission or heritage... With righteous indignation, we have submitted a letter to Dean Lawrence Edward Carter Sr., respectfully requesting the immediate return of the oil portrait of Joseph Smith Jr. and the revocation of his induction.” - The Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel Assistants Program
“Craig Ballard (right), 3rd-great-grandnephew of Joseph Smith Jr., the first president and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his son Brigham, look over the space where Joseph’s portrait will hang — next to Abraham Lincoln and the late president of the Church, Russell M. Nelson.” “Descendants of the Smith family who sponsored the commission were there to witness the honor.” wasmormon.org
“Craig Ballard (right), 3rd-great-grandnephew of Joseph Smith Jr., the first president and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his son Brigham, look over the space where Joseph’s portrait will hang — next to Abraham Lincoln and the late president of the Church, Russell M. Nelson.” “Descendants of the Smith family who sponsored the commission were there to witness the honor.”
Dean Lawrence Edward Carter, dean of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, has publicly praised Smith. In a published article, Carter referred to Smith as "Lincoln before Lincoln." In an exclusive interview with The Maroon Tiger, Carter defended the decision. He described Smith’s abolition stance as courageous and historically significant. Carter also cited financial constraints as a factor in the decision. “Donors are hard to find who are willing to pay for oil portraits of people they don’t know,” Carter said. “I haven’t been able to find money for almost everybody you can name in Black history.” | wasmormon.org
Dean Lawrence Edward Carter, dean of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, has publicly praised Smith. In a published article, Carter referred to Smith as "Lincoln before Lincoln." In an exclusive interview with The Maroon Tiger, Carter defended the decision. He described Smith’s abolition stance as courageous and historically significant. Carter also cited financial constraints as a factor in the decision. “Donors are hard to find who are willing to pay for oil portraits of people they don’t know,” Carter said. “I haven’t been able to find money for almost everybody you can name in Black history.”
OFFICIAL STATEMENT From the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel Assistants Program Morehouse College Grace and peace unto you, On behalf of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel Assistants Program, we issue this public statement to express our concern regarding the decision to induct the oil portrait of Joseph Smith Jr., founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, into the International Hall of Honor at Morehouse College. Our beloved institution was founded in the aftermath of slavery to educate, uplift, and affirm the dignity of Black men. Our history is rooted in the affirmation of Black dignity and the pursuit of justice; therefore, those honored within our halls should reflect that legacy. Honoring a figure associated with a religious tradition whose early history includes racially exclusionary teachings and practices does not align with Morehouse's mission or heritage. Such an action does not reflect the Morehouse standard, nor the standard upheld by the Chapel Assistants Program. With righteous indignation, we have submitted a letter to Dean Lawrence Edward Carter Sr., respectfully requesting the immediate return of the oil portrait of Joseph Smith Jr. and the revocation of his induction. This request is not rooted in hostility toward any faith tradition, but in faithfulness to the story, values, and enduring legacy of Morehouse College. In unity and in service, Alonzo Brinson, 40th President Damarion King, Vice President The Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel Assistants Program
OFFICIAL STATEMENT From the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel Assistants Program Morehouse College Grace and peace unto you, On behalf of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel Assistants Program, we issue this public statement to express our concern regarding the decision to induct the oil portrait of Joseph Smith Jr., founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, into the International Hall of Honor at Morehouse College. Our beloved institution was founded in the aftermath of slavery to educate, uplift, and affirm the dignity of Black men. Our history is rooted in the affirmation of Black dignity and the pursuit of justice; therefore, those honored within our halls should reflect that legacy. Honoring a figure associated with a religious tradition whose early history includes racially exclusionary teachings and practices does not align with Morehouse's mission or heritage. Such an action does not reflect the Morehouse standard, nor the standard upheld by the Chapel Assistants Program. With righteous indignation, we have submitted a letter to Dean Lawrence Edward Carter Sr., respectfully requesting the immediate return of the oil portrait of Joseph Smith Jr. and the revocation of his induction. This request is not rooted in hostility toward any faith tradition, but in faithfulness to the story, values, and enduring legacy of Morehouse College. In unity and in service, Alonzo Brinson, 40th President Damarion King, Vice President The Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel Assistants Program
“When will we love our neighbor as ourselves?... Will you love your brothers or sisters likewise, when they have committed a sin that cannot be atoned for without the shedding of their blood? Will you love that man or woman well enough to shed their blood? That is what Jesus Christ meant.” - Brigham Young, LDS President, Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, February 8, 1857 Journal of Discourses, Volume 4: Discourse 42 | wasmormon.org
“When will we love our neighbor as ourselves?... Will you love your brothers or sisters likewise, when they have committed a sin that cannot be atoned for without the shedding of their blood? Will you love that man or woman well enough to shed their blood? That is what Jesus Christ meant.” - Brigham Young, LDS President, Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, February 8, 1857, Journal of Discourses, Volume 4: Discourse 42
“When our father Adam came into the garden of Eden, he came into it with a celestial body, and brought Eve, one of his wives, with him. He helped to make and organize this world. He is Michael, the Archangel, the Ancient of Days! about whom holy men have written and spoken—He is our Father and our God, and the only God with whom we have to do.” - Brigham Young, LDS President, Salt Lake City, March 4, 1852. Journal of Discourses, Volume 1: Discourse 4 | wasmormon.org
“When our father Adam came into the garden of Eden, he came into it with a celestial body, and brought Eve, one of his wives, with him. He helped to make and organize this world. He is Michael, the Archangel, the Ancient of Days! about whom holy men have written and spoken—He is our Father and our God, and the only God with whom we have to do.” - Brigham Young, LDS President, Salt Lake City, March 4, 1852. Journal of Discourses, Volume 1: Discourse 4
“The prophet does not have to say "Thus saith the Lord" to give us scripture. Sometimes there are those who haggle over words. They might say the prophet gave us counsel but that we are not obligated to follow it unless he says it is a commandment... Said Brigham Young, "I have never yet preached a sermon and sent it out to the children of men, that they may not call scripture"” - Ezra Taft Benson, LDS Church President, BYU Devotional, Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet, February 26, 1980 | wasmormon.org
“The prophet does not have to say "Thus saith the Lord" to give us scripture. Sometimes there are those who haggle over words. They might say the prophet gave us counsel but that we are not obligated to follow it unless he says it is a commandment... Said Brigham Young, "I have never yet preached a sermon and sent it out to the children of men, that they may not call scripture"” - Ezra Taft Benson, LDS Church President, BYU Devotional, Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet, February 26, 1980