Bishop Richard Allen founder of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church

Bishop Allen died in 1831, looking back to a time when there had been little or no hope of ever rising above being a field hand on a Delaware plantation. But God had plans otherwise and a calling that reached thousands of people in his own time.

Bishop Richard Allen was a prominent African American religious leader and founder of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, the first independent Black denomination in the United States. Born into slavery in 1760 on a Delaware plantation, Allen's early life offered little indication of the profound impact he would later have on American society. However, his deep faith and commitment to education and social justice propelled him beyond the confines of his birth. After purchasing his freedom, Allen became a licensed Methodist preacher, advocating for the spiritual and social needs of African Americans. His vision culminated in the founding of the AME Church in 1816, a historic move that provided a platform for Black voices and leadership in a segregated society. His legacy is a testament to resilience and the power of faith to inspire change, reaching thousands during his lifetime and leaving a lasting impact for generations to come.