Join Our Mailing List Email: Genesis Group Home Page President Don Harwell First Counselor Orin Howell Second Counselor Eddie Gist Webmaster and Newsletter Editor Kathryn Jenkins Archived Articles Meetinghouse: 6710 S. 1300 E. Salt Lake City Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: For Today and Tomorrow Each year on the third Monday of January, we honor the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year marks the 24th anniversary of the national holiday in honor of Dr. King's work and marks 42 years since his assassination. Though he has been dead longer than he lived, he lived an extraordinary life. Yet he left a legacy of hope and inspiration that continues and resonates in modern-day society. Dr. King is one of those leasers who never dies. Perhaps we should speak of him not only in the past tense, but also in present and future tenses. His example has inspired excellence in our heart and in our minds. The national theme for this observance is “A Day On—Not a Day Off,” reflecting Dr. King’s belief that service to others is a great equalizer and the way to true brotherhood. Our Heavenly Father has given us words that we need to understand—and remember—not for just this holiday, but for every day of our life: "And again, the Lord God hath commanded that men should not murder; that they should not lie; that they should not steal; that they should not take the name of the Lord their God in vain; that they should not envy; that they should not have malice; that they should not contend one with another; that they should not commit; whoredoms and that they should do none of these things; for whoso doeth them shall perish. For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile" (2 Nephi 26:32–33). May we serve one another not just on the day we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s life and legacy, but every day as our Heavenly Father desires us to. Let us commit ourselves to rid our world of bigotry and hatred starting in our homes and community. As we continue through this life, let us do so as brothers and sisters in preparation for our day in Heavenly Father’s kingdom. —The Genesis Group Leadership Click here for the text of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream Speech" Click here for excerpts from Dr. King's sermon at the Ebenezer Baptist Church Click here for children's frequently asked questions about Dr. King Click here for a selection of quotes from Dr. King     Mormon Channel: Not Your Same Old Radio Tired of the same old stuff on the radio? Tune in to "Mormon Channel," the new radio service from the Church. Visit the site and tune in by clicking on the "Listen Now" link at the top right-hand corner—and learn how you can subscribe to podcasts, download individual shows, or find out more about other ways to listen.   "How to Reach African-Americans" "How to Reach African-Americans," by Genesis Public Affairs Co-Chair Marvin Perkins, with expanded scriptural support and historical perspectives that show how all of us can be more effective in our missionary labors to all of Heavenly Father's children, particularly our Black friends and neighbors. March Genesis Fireside March 7—Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, author of The Dred Scott Story: "Ain't I a Man?", will speak at the March 2010 Genesis Fireside on Sunday, March 7, at 7 p.m. on the Dred Scott case. Don't miss the opportunity to hear about this landmark case from an attorney's point of view. For more information about Brother Shurtleff, click here. Elder Christofferson: "The Power of Covenants" When we enter into priesthood covenants, we are given power from on high that brings with is strength to endure in times of difficulty—much of it through the companionship of the Holy Ghost . . . something we desperately need in these uncertain times. To read an excerpt, from the talk, click here. President Hinckley on Racial Intolerance It bears repeating: In chastising Church members for racial intolerance, President Hinckley stated in the April 2006 priesthood session of General Conference, "I remind you that no man who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ. Nor can he consider himself to be in harmony with the teachings of the Church of Christ." Read the excerpt of President Hinckley's talk here. This Week in History: January 18–24 Take a look at what happened during this week in history—and how African-Americans have influenced who, what, and where we are today. Submit News and Views Have information you'd like to submit to the Genesis Group newsletter? For submissions, email Margaret Young or Marvin Perkins of the Genesis Group Public Affairs Committee. Allan Jackson Dies at 105 Beloved Genesis centenarian, Allan C. Jackson, died just a few weeks before turning 106 and has been laid to rest in the Salt Lake Cemetery next to his father. His genuine laugh, loving disposition, and valiant testimony will be missed by all of us in the Genesis Group. Read more here, including a tribute featured in the Salt Lake Tribune and an interview about his war experiences conducted by KUED TV. Jean Henry and Granddaughters Recently Baptized On Saturday, October 24, Jean Henry was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; she was confirmed the next day. On Friday, October 30, two of Jean's grandaughters—Shaelynn and Tatyanna Jones—were also baptized. Jean's husband has been a member for many years, and he is very excited about his wife's baptism. Congratulations and welcome, Jean, Shaelynn, and Tatyanna! Former Mr. Universe Expounds on Scriptures Former Mr. Universe, Paul Devine—a member of the Genesis Group since its inception and an award-winning body-builder—spoke at a recent fireside in Los Angeles, where he shared his conversion story and testimony of the gospel. Read more here. First Black Bishop Called in Hattiesburg, MS Bishop Randall Silas is the first African-American called to the position of bishop in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Read all about him and share his testimony of the Church in this article that appeared in the Hattiesburg American. Karyn Dudley Featured Genesis member Karyn Dudley was recently featured in a Mormon Times article as one of a handful of people who talked about what it's like to live near Church historical sites. Read the article here. Alex Boyé Finds His Voice in Mormon Tabernacle Choir In this special to the Salt Lake Tribune, written by a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Genesis member Alex Boyé recounts his journey from British pop sensation to member of the Church and the choir. Find out his purpose for singing, and read more here. What Are They Up To? Any idea what these guys are up to? Laser tag! If you joined the Genesis Youth for this awesome event—or just wish you had—click here to see the group shot that was taken. Genesis Choir The Genesis Choir practices at 6 p.m. at the Genesis meetinghouse before each Genesis meeting (the first Sunday of each month). If you are interested in singing in the choir, please come to practice! Need to Be Set Apart? If you have received a calling in the Genesis Group and need to be set apart, that ordinance takes place at 6:15 p.m. in the Relief Society Room on the first Sunday of each month, just before the Genesis meeting. No appointments are necessary. Meeting of the Faiths at Utah Church Sites Two different groups—one Muslim, one Catholic—recently visited Salt Lake and were given tours that included the new Oquirrh Mountain Temple as well as other Church sites. See how they reacted in this article, which originally appeared in the Church News. Jane Manning James: Black Saint, 1847 Pioneer Thousands of new converts arrived in Nauvoo with eagerness and anticipation in the early 1840s. But probably none came with more urgency than the exhausted band of nine Black Saints who entered the city late in 1843 who were led by a free Black woman, Jane Elizabeth Manning, and who had walked more than 800 miles. As we celebrate our pioneer heritage, read this article about Jane, which originally appeared in the Ensign. Swahili Branch Unites LDS Africans in Salt Lake A Swahili Branch of the Church, which meets every Sunday in Salt Lake City, has been a unifying force for African members, mostly refugees from Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and the Congo. For more about the branch, click here. Scholarship Money for Minorities Unclaimed, Going to Waste Scholarship money available for minority students is going unclaimed, and the money is being returned to the donating companies and foundations. For a list of 49 scholarships up for grabs (and web sites for information on each), click here. The Most Important Education: Spiritual Education Genesis Mission Leader Michael Rice compares the Church to a great spiritual university that gives us the education we need to obtain the highest degree of the celestial kingdom. Read about his allegory here. A Testimony of the Work Sister Anita Durphey—aunt of Genesis Mission Leader Michael Rice—reflects on her service as mission secretary in the Massachusetts Boston Mission and bears powerful testimony of missionary work. Read her report here. Reflections on Nearing the End Brother and Sister Norris Mills, who finished their mission on June 30, reflect on a district conference, the difficulty of joining the Church in a Buddhist country, the faithfulness of the members, the valor of the youth, and the joy of a nation now freed of war. Read their final update here. Serving as a District Leader Genesis member Elder David Ojuka is currently serving as a district leader in Thomaston, Georgia. He is happy, committed, humble (giving all credit to the Lord), and is being successful. The Church is doing well in Georgia—very exciting! Click here to read some inspirational excerpts from his letters. You can write to Elder Ojuka at 1268 Westridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30311.