What does it mean to grow up Black and Mormon in a predominantly white church?

In Part Two of our conversation with Mariama Nadworna, she continues her Mormon story with her decision to serve a mission in Leeds, England. She describes her first experience in the London Temple, the loss of her African identity she felt when receiving her temple name, and the racism she encountered during her mission.

After returning home, Mariama moved to Utah to attend BYU, where she experienced both the appeal of being at the center of Mormonism and the challenges of being Black in a predominantly white community. She discusses segregation in Utah wards, interracial dating, and eventually meeting her husband and marrying in the temple.

Her faith began to change after discovering Mormon Stories and reading the CES Letter. Mariama describes feeling betrayed as she learned more about Joseph Smith’s polygamy, conflicting accounts of the First Vision, and the history of racism in the LDS Church. She began sharing her experiences on social media and eventually wrote an open letter calling on the church to take greater responsibility for educating its members about its racial history.

Mariama and John also discuss the “Curse of Cain,” missionary work in Africa, the church’s relationship with African communities, and the broader questions of cultural colonialism and religious conversion. For Mariama, speaking openly about these issues has become part of her own healing—and a way to help others who may be asking similar questions about their faith and identity.