The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church has a significant place in Black history as one of the first independent Black denominations in the United States. It was founded in 1816 in Philadelphia by Richard Allen, a formerly enslaved man who became a prominent preacher and religious leader.

The AME Church was established in response to the racial discrimination and segregation that Black worshippers faced in white-led churches at the time. The church became a center for spiritual and social activism within the Black community, promoting equality, education, and justice.

Throughout its history, the AME Church has played a key role in advancing civil rights and social justice causes, including the abolition of slavery, voting rights, and desegregation. The church has also been a platform for Black leadership and empowerment, producing influential figures such as Bishop Henry McNeal Turner, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, and civil rights activist Rosa Parks.

Today, the AME Church continues to be a strong advocate for social justice and remains a pillar of the Black community, with a presence in the United States and several other countries around the world.