What occurred in baton rouge in may 1862

richard allen was a minister for a african methodist episcopal church. he was also a educator and a writer one of america most active and influential black leaders. in 1794, he founded a african methodist episcopal church in philadelphia, pennsylvania. the church that he founded was the first independent african american denomination in the united states. he was a influential leader that makes many people feel comfortable under his preachings. they trusted him and supported him even though it could get them in trouble because slavery was happening. he risked his life to bring slaves and others closer to god and writing books. as a boy he and his family were slaves but some how he managed to teach himself how to read, write and preach. he has written four books about his life, slavery and hymns/preaching.