The Historical Evolution of the A.M.E. Church: Social Intervention to Advance Blacks Socio-Economic Position

Though it is well documented that the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) has been greatly involved in Black’s educational attainments; there is limited documentation on the connection between the educational efforts of the AMEC and its effect on the financial stability of Blacks. The objective of the study is to evaluate the AMEC’s tendency to intervene on behalf of its community. Tracing the different socio-economic initiatives of the AMEC through the lenses of education from the late 18^th century to the present has revealed the various meanings of the term freedom and how the church has adapted to acquire it.

Findings suggest that the AMEC remains active in ensuring the socio-economic betterment of the Black community. Finally, findings indicate that the church has successfully met the contemporary needs of the Black community; though there still remains a need for an economic program that directly educates Blacks on financial literacy.