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The Free African Society
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In colonial times, many charities in the free northern cities did not to give aid to African Americans, basically because of prejudice. By the 1780s, African Americans began to organize mutual aid societies to help other African Americans in need. The Free African Society was the first society of this type in Philadelphia.
Founded in 1787 by two former slaves, Richard Allen and Absolom Jones, the Free African Society was set up to help widows, orphans, and the poor. At the time, African Americans weren't allowed to bury their dead in any of the cemeteries. The society arranged with the Philadelphia's leaders for Potter's Field to become a burial ground for African Americans. They also issued marriage licenses and kept birth records.
In addition to establishing the society, Allen and Jones have the distinction of being the first African Americans to become ordained ministers in America. Allen went on to found the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, and Jones formed the Saint Thomas African Episcopal Church.
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Absolom Jones, cofounder of the Free African Society, also established the Saint Thomas African Episcopal Church. |
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Richard Allen was born a slave, but went on to become one of the first African American ministers to be ordained in the United States. |
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The "Preamble" and "Articles" of the Free African Society
Learn more about the mission of this historic organization.
Richard Allen
Read more about Richard Allen, one of the first African-American ministers in the United States.
Absolom Jones
Find out more about Absolom Jones and his work as a minister.
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The Free African Society
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