Morehouse College, a historically Black college, unveiled a new portrait on Feb. 1 in its Martin Luther King Jr. International Hall of Honor, recognizing Joseph Smith alongside global figures associated with peace, justice and moral leadership.
The unveiling reflected Morehouse’s ongoing commitment to honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. while engaging with international traditions of nonviolence and reconciliation.
Students, faculty, faith leaders and community members gathered quietly as the portrait was revealed, marking a moment of reflection within the historic space. The ceremony emphasized shared values that connect the civil rights movement with broader efforts to promote dignity, justice and understanding across cultures.
The Hall of Honor was designed not only to commemorate the past but to encourage meaningful dialogue in the present. Under the leadership of the Rev. Lawrence E. Carter Sr., the space continues to serve as a bridge between King’s teachings and global efforts to advance peace.
"We have got to think about everybody's humanity," Carter said. "We have got to think holistically, comprehensively and inclusively."
Stephanie Merling, a communications director for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Atlanta, helped prepare for the unveiling and spoke about the significance of the recognition.
“Dean Carter will recognize Joseph Smith for his run for presidency on the platform of compensated emancipation,” Merling said.
Merling also reflected on the lasting impact of Joseph Smith, noting when President Russell M. Nelson visited Morehouse in 2023.
“I think it’s beautiful that Carter, somebody not of our faith, has picked this up and wants the story told,” Merling said. “By looking at Joseph Smith and his willingness to step forward, we can also learn how to moderate and unify.”
The unveiling reflected a significant moment from April 13, 2023, when President Russell M. Nelson received the Gandhi-King-Mandela Peace Prize at Morehouse College. In his acceptance speech, Nelson spoke about the urgent need for peacemakers in an increasingly divided world.
“May we as sons and daughters of God … do all within our power to build up each other, learn from each other and demonstrate respect for all of God’s children,” President Nelson said. “May we link arms in love and brotherhood.”
During that address, Nelson referenced Joseph Smith’s advocacy for compensated emancipation, a proposal Smith advanced during his 1844 presidential campaign as a peaceful approach to ending slavery. The plan called for the federal government to purchase the freedom of slaves using proceeds from public lands, seeking to resolve injustice through moral persuasion rather than violence.
"Joseph Smith has been in the shadows. I want to talk about one thing when I pay tribute to him. His love of freedom. And his love for America's perhaps greatest civic virtue: equality," Carter said.
The portrait unveiled Sunday reflects that broader narrative, connecting the American Civil Rights Movement with international figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, all of whom advocated nonviolent solutions to entrenched injustice.
Following the ceremony, attendees moved through the Hall of Honor, discussing the connections between faith, education and social change.
