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African Americans of the UMC

Photo by Mike DuBose, United Methodist Communications

African Americans are a vital part of the tapestry of The United Methodist Church and have played important roles in the development of the denomination in the United States since 1758.

Explore this section to learn about African American bishops, pastors, preachers, missionaries and members from yesterday and today.

The Lorraine Motel (now a museum) is the site where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. Photo by Adam Jones, Ph.D., Creative Commons, 2012.
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Who We Are

James Lawson: Befriending James Earl Ray After MLK's Death

A United Methodist pastor and close friend of Martin King's explains why he reached out to the man accused of killing the civil rights icon.

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Growing up in the church, there were some indications she might be a bishop one day. Photo courtesy of the Western PA Conference of the United Methodist Church.
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Podcasts

Meet Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi: Get Your Spirit in Shape

A pastor's kid and former school psychologist, this United Methodist bishop encourages us to see beyond barriers and embrace possibilities.

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Faith Stories

  • Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery's Ninety Years Birthday Celebration at the Atlanta Symphony Hall, October 9, 2011 included a birthday song by Stevie Wonder. Next to Rev. Lowery is his wife of 60 years, Evelyn Lowery. Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications.

    Who We Are

    The Rev. Joseph Lowery: Sharing MLK's Dream
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  • United Methodist deaconess Clara Ester serves as national vice president of United Methodist Women. File photo by Mike DuBose, United Methodist Communications.

    Who We Are

    Inspired by MLK to make a difference through love: Clara Ester
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  • The Rev. James Lawson (left) joins Martin Luther King and Ralph Jackson at a March 1968 press conference. Photo used with permission from the SCLC of California.

    Who We Are

    James Lawson: Reflections on Life, Nonviolence, Civil Rights, MLK
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  • A United Methodist woman shares about those who inspired her. Screen shot of video by United Methodist Communications.

    Podcasts

    Inspiring Women of Faith: Get Your Spirit in Shape
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Inspiring Figures in History

  • Mary McLeod Bethune with the 1928 graduating class of Bethune-Cookman College. Courtesy of Florida State Library and Archives.

    Who We Are

    Methodist Women's History: Mary McLeod Bethune
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  • Historic photo of Susan Angeline Collins, taken in Los Angeles, California. Collins served as a Methodist missionary in Africa for 31 years. Image courtesy of the General Commission on Archives and History.

    Who We Are

    African American Woman's Incredible Life as a Methodist Missionary
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Tomorrow's Leaders

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    Black College Fund
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  • Deborah Dangerfield, president of the Black Methodists for Church Renewal (left), the Rev. Theon Johnson, associate pastor of Glide United Methodist Church (center), and the Rev. Anthony Jenkins, Western Jurisdiction BMCR chair, dance during the closing Gospel brunch at the BMCR 51st general meeting, March 17 in Sacramento, California. Photo by Mai Yang.

    BMCR looks to the future
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