‘Mormon Land’: New discovery of a prominent pioneer’s Black ancestry shows the futility of racial profiling — then and now
Historians discuss the story of James Brown Jr. — LDS leader, polygamist and early Ogden settler — who held the priesthood and received temple rites despite Brigham Young’s policy.
(FamilySearch) Capt. James Brown, who first settled Ogden, was a Latter-day Saint polygamist who participated in the faith's temple rites. New research shows he had Black ancestry.
Hired in 1991 to cover Utah's various faiths, particularly Mormonism, Peggy has talked forgiveness with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, nearly fainted waiting for the Dalai Lama, fasted with Muslims during Ramadan — and has reported on 50 consecutive semiannual LDS General Conferences.
David is a managing editor at The Tribune, where he has worked since 1984. He oversees coverage ranging from local government and west-side issues to growth, development and housing. In addition, he directs religion reporting, co-hosts the award-winning “Mormon Land” podcast and writes the Mormon Land newsletter.