Joseph Freeman (Mormon)

Joseph Freeman, Jr.
BornJuly 24, 1952 (1952-07-24) (age 72)
Vanceboro, North Carolina, U.S.
Occupation(s)Religious leader, minister, author

Joseph Freeman Jr. (born July 24, 1952) is the first man of black African descent to receive the Melchizedek priesthood[1] and be ordained an elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) after the announcement of the 1978 Revelation on Priesthood, which allowed "all worthy male members of the Church" to "be ordained to the priesthood without regard for race or color."[2]

  1. ^ Several men received the Aaronic priesthood prior to Freeman.
    "Joseph Freeman, Jr". Genesis Group. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 10 March 2011.
  2. ^ Tanner, N. Eldon (November 1978). "Revelation on Priesthood Accepted, Church Officers Sustained". Ensign: 16. Retrieved 10 March 2011.