American Missionary Association (AMA)

The American Missionary Association (AMA) was founded in 1846 to promote education and religious support, particularly for African Americans in the United States. Its main goal was to advocate for the rights and welfare of formerly enslaved people, especially during and after the Civil War. The AMA established schools, churches, and educational programs in the South to help with literacy and social uplift. It played a significant role in the early efforts of Reconstruction, focusing on equality and integration in American society. The organization merged with others over time but remained influential in promoting education and civil rights.