‘A burst of new information’: Database reveals new truths about slavery and race in early Utah
Brigham Young spoke vehemently against letting Black men vote, while fellow LDS apostle Orson Pratt said basing such a policy on skin color “is enough to cause the angels in heaven to blush.”
(The Abominable Slavery) A new database means the public can now access, among other documents, fiery speeches from church and state leaders Orson Pratt, left, and Brigham Young about slavery, race and voting rights — topics that often divided the two men.
Tamarra Kemsley has been a reporter at The Tribune since 2021 but has been covering religion and politics since 2019. Her work has appeared in Religion News Service, the New York Post, and Religion & Politics. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Brigham Young University and a master’s in Islamic studies from Hebrew University.