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Black Mormon tells her story: The truth sang louder than my position

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In 1970, Wynetta Willis Martin became the first African-American member of the faculty at Brigham Young University. She then became the first Black woman to sing in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

She wrote in the Introduction to this 1972 book, "I am a Negro and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints... My story is not about Negroes, nor is it about Mormons of their church doctrine. It is about my life and how I became convinced to join the Mormon Church. I am now, happily, and willingly, a member of the Church. Many cannot understand what a Negro would want to join the Mormon Church. This too I will attempt to explain, at least from my personal experience."

Here are some additional quotations from the book:

"By the time I was twenty-four years old, I had been in and out of so many churches at this point, I felt like a tourist in Italy. I was lonely, so I would drift into a church group which consisted of newly acquired friends or just one friend, but I would amble on soon..." (Pg. 29)
"(T)he Mormon Church did not destroy and wear down hopes of salvation. Never was Sunday a scolding session in this religion." (Pg. 54)
"The Book of Mormon helped me to understand and accept my position as a black person much better. The Plan of Salvation lesson also helped me to understand things much better." (Pg. 55)
"Naturally I knew my race might be a handicap, especially because there were no Negroes in the (Mormon Tabernacle) Choir, nor were there any working with me at the Genealogical Society." (Pg. 59)
"In 1970 I had the opportunity to become the first black faculty staff member at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. I took advantage of this chance to do something for humanity. I was hired at B.Y.U. as a 'Research Consultant on Black Culture.'" (Pg. 68)
"Up to this moment I have met four Blacks who have attended B.Y.U., and I must say that members of any race, color, or creed are eligible to attend B.Y.U. as long as they meet the general qualifications and are capable of handling the courses. No race is barred from B.Y.U., and I'm here as a material witness." (Pg. 70)
"Many times I am asked if my own race gives me trouble for being a Mormon. My answer is that I have not been given any trouble by my own race. They will often ask me why I would join a church they think is prejudiced. My answer to them is that the Gospel is not prejudiced and I have met very few people in the Church who show any prejudice." (Pg. 71)
"My conversion to the Mormon Church has taught me, strangely enough, a greater tolerance for racial disputes than I ever thought possible." (Pg. 72)