Payne, Daniel Alexander

1811-1893 · Contribution: 1852-1893

AME bishop; educator

First African American president of a college in the United States; transformed the AME Church's ministry into a formally educated clergy and helped found Wilberforce University

Religious & Spiritual Leadership: collage image
Religious & Spiritual Leadership

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Quick facts

Born
1811, Charleston, South Carolina
Active since
1852
Category
Religious & Spiritual Leadership
Best known for
First African American president of a U.S. college; transformer of AME education

Impact on the world

Payne transformed AME ministry from an informal tradition into a formally educated clergy and, in leading Wilberforce, opened Black-controlled higher education in America, insisting Black Americans' future lay in building institutions at home.

An alternative history

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Sources

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