The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church has a significant place in Black history as one of the oldest independent Protestant denominations founded by and for African Americans. The AME Church traces its roots back to the late 18th century when Richard Allen, a former slave, and Absalom Jones, also a former slave, led a group of African Americans out of the predominantly white St. George's Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia in protest against racial segregation.

In 1816, Allen and Jones founded the AME Church, making it the first independent Black denomination in the United States. The AME Church played a crucial role in providing spiritual, social, and educational support to African Americans during a time when they faced immense discrimination and oppression.

Throughout its history, the AME Church has been at the forefront of the fight for civil rights and social justice. The church was instrumental in organizing and leading protests against slavery, segregation, and other forms of racial injustice. Notable figures such as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and Sojourner Truth were active members of the AME Church and worked closely with its leaders to advocate for equality and freedom.

Today, the AME Church continues to be a pillar of strength and resilience within the Black community, promoting empowerment, advocacy, and service to those in need. It has a rich legacy of leadership, activism, and faith that continues to inspire and uplift generations of African Americans.