Happy Black History Month! While some systems no longer see the need for this celebration, it's important to remember the deep and often overlooked contributions of Black Methodists to our faith. From the beginning, Black siblings in faith found hope in Methodism’s message of grace and renewal, even as they faced exclusion within its structures. The Rev. John Wesley, founder of Methodism, fervently denounced slavery in the late 18th century, yet many American Methodist churches upheld segregation. Despite these contradictions, Black Methodists embraced the movement, shaping its worship, theology, and commitment to justice.
The Right Reverend Richard Allen, one of the most influential figures in early Methodism, was born into slavery in 1760 and converted at age 17 after hearing Methodist preaching. He became a licensed preacher in 1784 and later joined St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia. However, as the church grew, white leaders forced Black worshipers into segregated seating. In 1787, after he and Absalom Jones were physically removed from prayer, Allen led Black Methodists in establishing the Free African Society. In 1794, he founded Bethel AME Church, and in 1816, he organized the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, becoming its first bishop and ensuring Black Methodists had a spiritual home where they could worship freely and lead boldly.
Even as Bishop Allen and others built new institutions, many Black Methodists remained within the Methodist Episcopal Church, advocating for change. Over the next century, Black preachers, teachers, and lay leaders established schools, fought for abolition, and helped shape the social witness of Methodism that we are often known for. The tensions of exclusion and perseverance ultimately led to the formation of additional Black Methodist denominations, such as the African Methodist Episcopal Zion (AMEZ) Church in 1821 and the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church in 1870.
As we honor Black History Month, we must recognize that Black Methodists were not just participants in our church’s story; they were its builders, reformers, and theologians. Their legacy calls us to continue the work of justice and inclusion today, ensuring that our churches reflect the full, boundless love of God.