The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church is one of the oldest independent Protestant denominations founded by African Americans in the United States. It was established in Philadelphia in 1816 by Richard Allen and other African American members who had been discriminated against and mistreated in predominantly white Methodist congregations.

The AME Church provided a place for African Americans to worship freely, develop their own leadership, and advocate for social justice and civil rights. The church played a significant role in the abolitionist movement, the Underground Railroad, and the fight against racial segregation and discrimination.

Prominent figures such as Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, and Rosa Parks were all connected to the AME Church and utilized its platform to advance the cause of racial equality and empowerment.

Today, the AME Church remains a major religious institution in the African American community, with a strong focus on social justice, community development, and education. It continues to be a significant force in the fight for racial equality and civil rights in America.