By Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network
In the heart of the burgeoning United States, amidst the fervor of the American Revolution and the burgeoning abolitionist movement, a beacon of hope and self-reliance emerged from the marginalized African American community of Philadelphia. The Free African Society, founded in 1787, stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of a people determined to forge their own destiny in the face of adversity. This organization is also a powerful example of the divergence of less formal, more relational mutual aid support and the formal institutions that have emerged. This blog post delves into the history of this remarkable organization, exploring its origins, its founders, and its enduring legacy of mutual aid and community empowerment.
The Genesis of the Free African Society
The Free African Society was born out of the shared vision of two extraordinary men: Absalom Jones and Richard Allen. Both were former slaves who had purchased their freedom and risen to prominence as religious leaders in Philadelphia. Absalom Jones, born into slavery in Delaware in 1746, was a devout Episcopalian who had earned his freedom through hard work and the support of his owner. Richard Allen, born into slavery in Philadelphia in 1760, was a charismatic Methodist preacher who had purchased his freedom at the age of 20.
These two men, united by their faith and their commitment to uplifting their community, recognized the urgent need for an organization that would provide support and guidance to newly freed African Americans. In the late 18th century, Philadelphia was a hub of abolitionist activity, but even in this relatively progressive environment, freed slaves faced immense challenges. They were often denied basic rights and opportunities, and they were largely excluded from mainstream society. While abolitionists helped end slavery, they rarely provided the equitable support to help freed slaves establish a new life.
The Free African Society was conceived as a means of addressing these challenges. Its founders envisioned an organization that would provide not only spiritual guidance but also practical assistance to its members. The Society’s mission was to promote “religion, morality, and industry” among its members, and to provide them with the resources they needed to thrive in their newfound freedom.
The Walkout at St. George’s Methodist Church
The Free African Society’s commitment to self-determination was put to the test early on in its existence. In 1787, Richard Allen and Absalom Jones, along with a group of their fellow congregants, staged a dramatic walkout from St. George’s Methodist Church in Philadelphia. This historic event was sparked by the discriminatory treatment of African Americans within the church.
Despite their contributions to the church, African Americans were relegated to segregated seating in the balcony and were denied full participation in church affairs. When church officials attempted to forcibly remove Allen and Jones from their knees during prayer, they decided they had had enough. They led their fellow worshippers out of the church, vowing to establish their own independent congregations.
This act of defiance marked a turning point in the history of African American religious and social activism. It demonstrated that African Americans were no longer willing to tolerate second-class citizenship within white-dominated institutions. The walkout also paved the way for the establishment of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, founded by Richard Allen in 1794, and the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, founded by Absalom Jones in 1792.
The Importance of Mutual Aid
The Free African Society’s emphasis on mutual aid was rooted in the harsh realities faced by freed slaves in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Many freed slaves had been torn from their families and communities during their enslavement, and they often arrived in Philadelphia with few resources and little support. The Society provided a vital safety net for these individuals, offering financial assistance, job training, and other forms of support.
Mutual aid was not only a practical necessity for freed slaves; it was also a powerful expression of community solidarity. By pooling their resources and supporting one another, members of the Free African Society were able to overcome the challenges they faced and build a better future for themselves and their families.
The tradition of mutual aid within the African American community has deep roots in the experience of slavery. During slavery, African Americans developed informal networks of support to help one another cope with the hardships of their lives. These networks continued to thrive after emancipation, providing a vital source of strength and resilience for African Americans facing discrimination and marginalization.
The Legacy of the Free African Society
The Free African Society’s legacy extends far beyond its immediate impact on the lives of its members. The Society’s emphasis on self-help and community empowerment has inspired generations of African Americans to strive for equality and justice. The Society’s founders, Absalom Jones and Richard Allen, are revered as pioneers of African American social and religious activism.
The Free African Society also played a crucial role in the development of African American institutions in Philadelphia and beyond. The Society’s members were instrumental in the founding of schools, churches, and other organizations that served the needs of the African American community.
The tradition of mutual aid that was so central to the Free African Society’s mission continues to thrive in the African American community today. Informal networks of support continue to provide a vital safety net for many African Americans, and formal organizations such as churches and community centers continue to play a crucial role in providing services and support.