Darius Aidan Gray

Many outside the LDS church, and more than a few within, know very little about the stories of the Black LDS pioneers who joined the church in the early days and crossed the plains to start lives in the land of Zion. Unfortunately, their lives were made more difficult by the racial stereotypes they faced even among their new brothers and sisters in the gospel. This is a retelling of some real historical figures, most notably Elijah Abel, freed slave and first black member of the church, and Jane Manning, a free woman who traveled 400 miles on foot to join the Saints in Missouri and became a personal servant in the Smith household. Both were intimately acquainted with the Joseph Smith and his family.

Their stories are interesting and reasonably well told. Each chapter concludes with a few notes on the real historical facts. However, these accounts are not really woven together and it remains several different stories instead of one. I would like to read the next book in the series, but it wasn't quite as good as I had hoped. 3.5 stars… (meer)

This is the third in the STANDING ON THE PROMISES trilogy by Margaret Blair Young and Darius Aiden Gray. It continues to be an intimate sharing of the those who were among the first black members of the Latter Day Saint church. Beginning at the turn of the 20th century, the stories of these people are told as they are woven into the history of the time. Historical events include both World Wars and the Great Depression, as well as lesser know events involving hatred and prejudice, love and marriage, joy and sorrow. In spite of all the dangers and threats, these people remained true to their beliefs and dreams. They were dauntless and brave. They were strong and sweet. You cannont help but love and respect them.

When I finished the book I remembered being in a church meeting years ago,sometime around 1980. The speaker then was a very dignified and elegant black man who counciled us to study the scriptures everyday. He said that alone would bring about miracles from heaven. I am very certain that man was Aiden Gray as this took place in the same Riverside Stake spoken of in the book. Whether you know anything about the LDS church or not, this is an awesome story about a lot of people who had the courage to live their beliefs. It has become one of my favorites and I don't doubt I will read it more than this once.

For a more intimate review you can go to my blogspot listed below. I was roughdrafting this review and that one turned out better.It is more detailed. These are great books for the stories, also a great weaving-in of Black History, American History, and history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints,known sometimes as the Mormons.… (meer)