Alan Cherry facts for kids

Alan Gerald Cherry (born in 1946) is an African American man. In the 1960s, he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). This was a time when many people were fighting for equal rights in America. Alan was inspired by this movement.

At that time, the LDS Church had a rule. It prevented black men from becoming priesthood holders. This meant Alan could not receive the priesthood when he was baptized. But Alan found other ways to serve in the church. He was known for his lively speaking style. He also had a good sense of humor. He inspired other members of the church.

Biography

Alan Cherry was born and grew up in New York City. As a teenager, he took part in the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. This was where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. A few years later, Alan wanted religious freedom just as strongly. He joined the LDS Church in 1968. He was serving in the US Air Force at the time.

Alan felt his military service made it hard to practice his faith. He wanted to leave the military to follow his beliefs. His leaders saw this as not doing his duty. They punished him. He was told he could only leave with a "dishonorable" discharge. But Alan kept going. He cared more about God's approval than what people thought. After some challenges, he was allowed to leave the Air Force to pursue his faith.

In the early 1970s, Alan was part of a band called Sons of Mosiah. This band played rock music with a Mormon theme. Orrin Hatch, who later became a US Senator, was their manager.

Alan showed his strong faith in many ways. He earned two degrees from Brigham Young University (BYU). He got a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in business. He was also one of the first members of the Young Ambassadors. This is a group from BYU that travels and performs.

In 1978, something very important happened. LDS Church President Spencer W. Kimball received a special message from God. This message allowed black Mormon men to receive the Priesthood. After this, Alan Cherry served a Mormon mission. He went to Oakland, California. Later, he held important leadership roles in his local church.

In 1985, Alan was hired for a special project. It was called the LDS African-American Oral History Project at BYU. His job was to interview black Mormons. During this project, he met Janice Barkum. They got married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1987. They have three children together. In 1988, Alan was still leading this project. He spoke at an event celebrating ten years since the priesthood revelation.

Alan Cherry has also acted in some movies. These movies were made by or for the LDS Church. He played an IRS agent in the 1981 film Harry's War. He also played a freed slave in the movie Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration.

Discography

• 1970: The Sons Of Mosiah : Live In Washington D.C. (Y' Man's Music)