T he ethnicity of Shakyamuni Buddha was brought to my attention by African/American historical scholars who had researched the issue.  When I discovered about the ethnicity of Shakyamuni Buddha I was a member of the Soka Gakkai and the Japanese Soka Gakkai leaders acted as white racist regarding the matter.

T he average African/American who has a better than average background in Afro-centric studies (Black History) is aware of the Historical Black Buddha .  In Nichiren Shoshu in America we have found that African/Americans make up about 30% of the total Nichiren Shoshu membership.  The question of the Black ethnicity of Shakyamuni and a discussion regarding the matter should a lease be answered by our Priest.  We at proud black Buddhist  feel that we should be able to discuss this issue with our priests.  If our priest are not aware of the claim of a Black ethnicity of Shakyamuni our priests should then follow the guidance of Sixty Six High Priest and study about such claims.  Our Nichiren Shoshu Priests should know about this matter.  Many African and African/Americans would be more attracted to the Buddhist faith if they were aware of the Black heritage of Buddhism. (This is the practice of Shoju).