Who We Are

We are members and friends of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dedicated to broadening perspectives on global BIPOC communities through engaging stories and activities.

Our mission is to nurture “beloved communities,” even Zion, and provide support for healing in our hearts and homes.

Our Focus

1. Widen the Lens

#BlackLivesBless Campaign: We counter falsehoods and celebrate the contributions of the BIPOC community by sharing global stories that affirm the dignity and worth of Black and Brown lives. Inspired by the Church’s Share the Light Campaign, we aim to flood the world with positive, empowering narratives. By serving as a repository of local news and amplifying these stories broadly, we expand our understanding of the rich diversity within the diaspora. Through storytelling, we aim to inspire and cultivate the strongest support for the flourishing of individuals within their communities.

2. Gather

Join Us in Unity: We support organizations and individuals who unite communities, inviting everyone. As President Russell M. Nelson urged, we promote respect for all of God’s children. Among our activities, we host an online prayer circle every third Sunday at 7 p.m. Central US time, sharing updates and praying for healing and success in advocacy. We also foster collaborations and incubate initiatives, supporting groups such as Descendants for Racial Reconcilation. Through the Darius Gray Legacy Insight Series, developed by Black Lives Bless (BLB), we organize events, workshops, and lectures promoting healing, conversations and thoughtful interactions.

3. See Joy

Expand Success: Bridging gaps in understanding is a joyous and rewarding endeavor. We focus on fostering a “calling-in culture“, which gently corrects and educates, inviting introspection and positive action. We believe shared joy is expanded joy and regularly celebrate achievements to magnify the blessing of Black and Brown lives.

Everyone Benefits

Advocates seeking to expand understanding of the Black diaspora.

Educators and leaders needing resources.

Black and white people finding healing in affirming stories and conversations.

Advocates looking to network and magnify their influence for healing.

Lots of Ways to Get Involved.


Submit and share stories for the #BlackLivesBless campaign. Sign up for our newsletter for advocacy inspiration. Share our website and Facebook page. Volunteer to help. Partner your organization with us to amplify your work. Incubate your idea or initiative. Donate funds to support our work.

To share your stories or interest to be involved reach out at: blacklivesbless@gmail.com

Meet the Founders

Larry Lewis

Larry Lewis serves as an area communications specialist for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in North Texas, where he focuses on African Heritage and Community Outreach. As a dedicated family history consultant, Larry specializes in church history and African Heritage ancestor veneration, as well as providing genealogical and research training for the African American community and the broader BIPOC diaspora. He actively promotes the Ten Million Names Project in North Texas, partnering with Black churches as part of his African Heritage Outreach initiatives. Recently, Larry was honored with the Servant Leader of Excellence Award by Hope Restored Missions for his outstanding community service. Partnering The Church in collaboration with the NAACP in North Texas, he has also been instrumental in developing and organizing youth camps that celebrate African American heritage.

A member of 14 years, Larry was drawn to The Church by its emphasis on lineage and the gathering of Israel. He felt that his newfound faith answered the whisperings of his heart concerning the ancient Abrahamic covenants. His advocacy is deeply rooted in his faith, driven by his desire for “all to gather to Christ” and realize the promises made by their ancestors.

With a background in journalism and broadcasting, Larry is excited to apply his skills to the BLB platform. “I am eager to broaden the focus for Latter-day Saints and help carry out President Nelson’s call to action to”root out racism and prejudice”.’ We have much work to do, but where one or more are gathered, we bear witness of the Spirit that brings us together as disciples of Christ who are dedicated to honoring basic human dignity and respect for all.

Dana King

For over 20 years, Dana has been a dedicated advocate for the Black community in St. Louis, Missouri. She has collaborated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and various community organizations to support Black heritage initiatives, such as The Dred Scott city-wide commemoration, and to enhance participation in community programs through the Urban League.

Dana’s commitment to communication and outreach is evident in her role as a former stake communications director for her church. She has contributed stories to The St. Louis American Black newspaper, written for the St. Louis Post Dispatch Civil Religion blog, and provided commentary on local NPR, focusing on healing and reconciliation after Michael Brown’s death.

“Though I’ve been on a journey for some time to help build bridges of understanding, I always feel I am just beginning. I have joy in the journey by the grace I receive from God, from my brothers and sisters, and the grace I give myself.”