Allen University - History

History

Allen University was founded in Cokesbury in 1870 as Payne Institute. Its initial mission was to provide education to freed African American slaves. In 1880, it was moved to Columbia and renamed Allen University in honor of Bishop Richard Allen, founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The university remains connected to the denomination, which is in the Methodist family of churches. As one of two black colleges located in Columbia, Allen has a very strong presence in the African American community. Allen University initially focused on training ministers and teachers, and over the years has enlarged its scope to produce graduates in other academic areas.

Read more about this topic:  Allen University

Famous quotes containing the word history:

    “The history of all countries shows that the working class exclusively by its own effort is able to develop only trade-union consciousness.”
    —Vladimir Ilyich Lenin (1870–1924)

    “The history of reform is always identical; it is the comparison of the idea with the fact. Our modes of living are not agreeable to our imagination. We suspect they are unworthy. We arraign our daily employments.”
    —Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)

    “Well, for us, in history where goodness is a rare pearl, he who was good almost takes precedence over he who was great.”
    —Victor Hugo (1802–1885)