The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church holds a significant place in Black history as the first independent Protestant denomination founded by African Americans. It was established in 1816 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Richard Allen, a former slave, and other Black Methodist ministers who sought autonomy and equality within the church.

The AME Church provided a space for Black worshipers to practice their faith freely and without the discrimination they often faced in predominantly white churches. It also became a center for social and political activism, with many AME leaders playing key roles in the abolitionist movement, the fight for civil rights, and the promotion of education and social justice.

Notable figures associated with the AME Church include Bishop Henry McNeal Turner, who was a pioneering advocate for Black self-determination and civil rights during the Reconstruction era, and Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, who made history as the first woman elected as a bishop in the AME Church.

Today, the African Methodist Episcopal Church remains a vital institution in the Black community, with a strong legacy of activism, leadership, and service.