Introduction
The coming of African Americans to the United States evokes strong emotions, given the detrimental states of their transportation across the sea, followed by slavery. Slavery ended, and people could advocate against racism, prejudice, and discrimination based on ethnic background. Reverend Allen Richard was one of the first to empower Black people through his theological politics.
He disseminated his main themes through music, preaching, and writings on eschatological freedom. Moreover, he was involved in many social justice activities, such as Mother Bethel and Free African Society. Although Reverend Richard Allen focused his empowerment on alleviating the socio-economic plight of African Americans, his ultimate vision was for them to acquire political justice and freedom.
Reverend Richard Allen’s Contributions to African American Community
African Methodist Church
Reverend Richard Allen empowered the African Americans by offering them an alternative place of worship without segregation. Following his conversion, Richard Allen started preaching and even got his master to convert and allow him to buy his freedom. He loved the Methodist church for its simple gospel but was perturbed by the segregation of Black people in the church. Therefore, he started the African Methodist Church, where there was freedom of worship without discrimination and racism.
The Mother Bethel Methodist church remains a historical monument that tells the story of resilience. The religious empowerment accorded to the people made them feel safe and associate with others. Moreover, God was the only imaginable power the people believed could punish sin and bring justice.
Free African Society
In addition, he founded the Free African Society, which provided additional services such as monetary support for the members who were sick, lost a family member, or had any other emergencies. Economic empowerment helped people in their time of need by ensuring their dignity. The implication is that the people who received help in society could feel the love, and life became tolerable for those who had just received their freedom. Noteworthy, even after obtaining freedom, it was generally more difficult for the Africans to find a decent job. Any form of economic empowerment was thus important in restoring the dignity of the people.
Church Music Legacy
The other way he empowered people was through his talent in singing and writing. Remarkably, he wrote a collection of hymns and spiritual songs whose music continues to be sung in churches across the globe. Moreover, he has a collection of more than ten books that speak about the plight of African Americans. The message in his book not only empowers the people to forgive and forget their plight by focusing on the redemptive work of the cross but also provides practical steps to live a peaceful and happy life. The books address the issue of segregation, which is key to creating equity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Reverend Allen Richard was an important person in African Americans’ theological, social, and political spheres. He was predominantly a religious figure who earned his freedom and preached a message of hope. Upon noticing the segregation at the church, he decided to establish a Methodist Church for African Americans where there was no racism. The other way Richard empowered the Black people was economically by establishing a society that offered monetary support to families that were in need. He gave them dignity when they lost their loved ones or became sick. His books and music bear an encouraging message that empowers people to foresee freedom.