Definition: The term "African American Methodist" (AFM) is a historical term used by African Americans to refer to individuals who were members of the Methodist church in America at various times during its existence. In 1836, the Methodist Episcopal Church (now known as the United Methodist Church) was founded in Atlanta, Georgia. The original membership comprised primarily of English-speaking, German and Irish immigrants from England, Scotland, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Holland, and Belgium. There were some African Americans who converted to the church through its own efforts. In 1846, the United Methodist Church established its first African-American congregation in Atlanta, where it continued to grow. The church's first African American members came from various countries including England, Scotland, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Holland, and Belgium. The term "African American Methodist" was widely used by black Americans who were early members of the church for generations until 1865 when the church separated its membership into two groups: those who identified with its original English-speaking members and those who did not. This separation led to the creation of separate denominations like the Congregationalist denomination. Today, many African American individuals have taken on this title due to their involvement in the Methodist Church's leadership roles during its earliest days.

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