Richard Allen, a once-enslaved Methodist minister, co-founded the first independent Black denomination in 1794: African Methodist Episcopal church. This new spiritual home led the church to be a cultural center for many Black communities. Learn more: to.pbs.org/36zpkWR #BlackHistoryPBS #BlackHistoryMonth | PBS

The story of Richard Allen, who went from slave to bishop, is one of perseverance and pride. The founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Allen and his journey should inspire all those who aspire to achieve despite their circumstances. #BlackHistoryMonth | Steven Jackson

A minister, educator and writer, Philadelphia native Richard Allen opened the first AME church in Philly in 1794. Born into slavery, he bought his freedom in 1786 and joined St. George’s Church. Because of seating restrictions placed on blacks to be confined to the gallery, he left to form his own church. In 1787 he turned an old blacksmith shop into the first church for blacks in the United States. #BlackHistoryMonth | 6abc Action News

Richard Allen Documentary | Mother Bethel AME Church

Richard Allen was a minister, educator, writer, and one of America’s most active and influential Black leaders. In 1794, he founded the African American Methodist Episcopal Church, the first independent Black denomination in the United States. He opened his first AME church in 1794 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. | New Beginnings Community Church