African American Outreach Program

A bi-weekly class where an individual, in their home presents one segment of the Blacks in the Scriptures DVD series to potential and current investigators, ward members, neighbors and others desiring to know more about this topic. The primary objective is to have a consistent effort in place to educate members on the true doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in regards to Blacks and the priesthood, skin color, curses and equality, as well as to reach out to those alienated by these issues. The key to the success of this outreach effort is for members and missionaries to bring just one African American neighbor with them to each class. They would also bring investigators, family, friends, neighbors, co-workers etc, to a brief showing of 1 of the 4 segments of the series held in member homes, or in a room of the Stake/Ward building (upon receiving Stake/Ward approval). The segments of the series will be shown as follows and will repeat every other month.

- First week of the even months– Segment 1: Blacks in the Bible
- Third week of the even months – Segment 2: Skin Color & Curses
- First week of the odd months – Segment 3: Equality and Priesthood
- Third week of the odd months – Segment 4: Blacks and the LDS Priesthood

No curriculum is necessary, those conducting would simply play the assigned segment of the DVD, pass out Blacks in the Scriptures scriptural reference guide. An extremely critical facet of the program is to record questions immediate after viewing the segment for the purpose of creating the podcast. Creativity may be necessary to turn items brought up in the discussion that will surely follow, into questions that can benefit thousands through the podcast, instead of only those present in the room. These questions should be organized and then called in immediately, using the personal extension issued to each Coordinator. A land line should be used in all cases where there is one available. Cell phones are sufficient in the absence of a land line. The questions will then be answered by those knowledgeable on the subject matter on the “podcast” that will be aired on a bi-weekly basis the week following the bi-weekly class schedule, and available on the Blacks in the Scriptures website and iTunes music store.
Duration of class is ideally 1 hour 15 minutes and should not exceed 1 ½ hours. Class should also not be held on nights that may interfere with other Church programs such as Mutual Night, Enrichment Night, etc.

In connection with the bi-weekly class should be an invitation to the bi-weekly “podcast” hosted by Bishop Fred Bethel and Marvin Perkins. This podcast will be a presentation where individuals can log on to hear answers to the questions that were organized by the AAOP Coordinators and called in from the earlier classes, as well as questions from visitors to the Blacks in the Scriptures website. These podcasts will provide a national and international platform for the millions of individuals who seek greater light and knowledge on these matters, allowing each to become individual agents better able to properly portray the public image of the LDS church, and to be a light for all to whom these issues are roadblocks. The weeks of the month for these podcasts will correspond with the class schedule, following one week after each, and will repeat every other month.

- Second week of the even months– Segment 1: Blacks in the Bible
- Fourth week of the even months – Segment 2: Skin Color & Curses
- Second week of the odd months – Segment 3: Equality and Priesthood
- Fourth week of the odd months – Segment 4: Blacks and the LDS Priesthood

The podcasts may be opened to specially invited quest who could then ask additional questions related to the subject matter being discussed or share their experiences or expertise. Those with questions that are covered in other segments of Blacks in the Scriptures should be invited to the class on the date where that segment will be shown. The “podcast” can also serve as a wonderful conduit for people to become interested in attending the weekly class.

Through the “podcasts” members can invite others not of our faith to log on and hear discussions of LDS scriptural teachings regarding race. This could also inspire them to attend the African American Outreach class which will expose them to members of the Church and begin breaking down barriers and create closer personal relationships.

The “podcasts” will also serve as a convenient way for members to learn these little known but critically important truths; and those who become aware of this message can then invite other members in and outside of their Ward or Stake to participate, hopefully inspiring them to have incorporated within their area an African American Outreach program.

CLASSES ARE CURRENTLY BEING HELD IN THE FOLLOWING CITIES (Coordinators needed for all US cities not listed):

Here’s the list of cities:

UTAH

CALIFORNIA

FLORIDA

GEORGIA

TEXAS

MICHIGAN

COLORADO

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