The following is from Box 19 Folder 4, “Writings on Blacks and the Priesthood” (undated) in the Heber Cyrus Snell papers, 1896-1974, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University:
You may be interested to know
that there will be a Negro who who holds the Priesthood attend BYU this year.
The basis on which this is possible is the fact that he is not an African
Negro. I have this on the authority of the Librarian of the Church College of
Hawaii. They have had a great deal of concern about this in Hawaii because so
many South Sea Islanders, who have attended the Church schools, want to join
the Church in full fellowship. Kenneth Slack told me that David O. McKay stated
that they need not worry about this boy. Incidentally, he is supposed to be a
tremendous athlete in basket ball and in track. The basket ball coach at the Y
said several years ago that the only hope for his having another national
championship basket ball team would be granting the Priesthood to some Negroes.
He may get his wish through this side door."
(Signed) Kirk
