20:I[72529,["4517","static/chunks/4517-e47556b6982deabf.js","7648","static/chunks/7648-2a1723bf89231119.js","9461","static/chunks/9461-9f7840d712bc9dca.js","977","static/chunks/977-b24d6ab36ed1ac26.js","1829","static/chunks/1829-c3315a95811f8e37.js","3174","static/chunks/app/store_/%5BencodedOrigin%5D/%5Bfulfillment%5D/%5Bcurrency%5D/%5BstoreSlug%5D/%5Bpage%5D/listing/%5BlistingId%5D/%5BproductId%5D/layout-16e8c399fe003e3d.js"],"StoreListingProvider"] 21:T606,The Deseret Alphabet is the result of efforts by early LDS leaders such as Parley P. Pratt, Heber C. Kimball, and George D. Watt — under the direction of Brigham Young — to create a common language for Latter-day Saints. Its purpose was to unite the members of the early Church through simplifying the American English language, and mark the Saints as a distinct people amongst a growing US religious landscape. In 1854, the University of Deseret (now known as the University of Utah) released the 38 character alphabet.

Though the Deseret Alphabet did not catch on as intended, it remains in Latter-day Saint memory as an embodiment of many aspects of the early Church: a spirit sparked by curiosity, creativity, and community.

As we stand as witnesses to this history, we also wrestle with the ideal of community as practiced by many in the early Church — including Brigham Young, among others — a history that for far too long, was marked by exclusion. This limited series “We The Pioneers” recognizes and honors the practice and presence of Black Latter-day Saints in the early Church and in the proceeding decades.

This particular piece invokes the narratives of the earliest Black members of the LDS Church — bridging African American and Latter-day Saint quilting traditions. We hope you can join us in honoring these narratives this Pioneer Day and in the months and years ahead.

All proceeds from sales go towards future programming.

Design by Janna Sue Design (IG @jannasuedesign)22:{"id":"5de3f14e7acad4c252b2270de811afce