Richard Allen

Richard Allen (1760-1831) was a prominent African American leader and minister known for founding the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in 1816, the first independent Protestant denomination established by black people in the United States. Disillusioned with racial discrimination in white churches, he sought to create a space for black worshippers. The AME Church played a crucial role in the abolitionist movement and served as a platform for civil rights activism, education, and community support, significantly impacting African American religious and social life. Allen's legacy continues to influence religious and cultural identity within the African American community today.