Richard Allen was a prominent African American preacher, educator, and abolitionist who lived from 1760 to 1831. He is best known for founding the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, the first independent black denomination in the United States. Allen was born into slavery in Philadelphia, but eventually gained his freedom and became a Methodist minister.

In 1787, Allen and his friend Absalom Jones led a group of African Americans who walked out of St. George's Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia after being forced to worship in a segregated section. This event led to the founding of the Free African Society, a mutual aid organization that provided assistance to newly freed African Americans.

In 1816, Richard Allen founded the AME Church after years of organizing and advocating for the rights of African Americans to worship freely and independently. The AME Church quickly grew in size and influence, becoming a strong voice for social justice and civil rights within the black community.

Richard Allen was also a vocal advocate for the abolition of slavery and a supporter of efforts to improve the education and economic opportunities for African Americans. His leadership and dedication to the empowerment of black communities have left a lasting impact on American history.