Allen University was founded in 1870 as Payne Institute, dedicated to providing education to freed African-American slaves. In 1890 it was 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. 1870 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... An African American (also Afro-American, Black American, or simply black), is a member of an ethnic group in the United States whose ancestors, usually in predominant part, were indigenous to Africa. ... 1890 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... A bishop is an ordained member of the Christian clergy who, in certain Christian churches, holds a position of authority. ... Richard Allen (14 February 1760 - 26 March 1831) was born a slave of Benjamin Chew at Germantown, Pennsylvania (now a part of Philadelphia), but his family was soon sold to Stockley Sturgis whose plantation was near Dover, Delaware. ... The African Methodist Episcopal Church, usually called the AME Church, is a Christian denomination founded by Bishop Richard Allen in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1816. ... The Methodist movement is a group of denominations of Protestant Christianity. ... A church building (or simply church) is a building used in Christian worship. ...

The university in Columbia, South Carolina now has over 500 students and still serves a predominantly Black constituancy. It is located near and cooperates with Benedict College, a similar Liberal arts college, but of the Baptist pursuasion. A university is an institution of higher education and of research, which grants academic degrees. ... Founded Incorporated March 22, 1786 1854  County Richland and part of Lexington Mayor Bob Coble Area  - Total  - Water 324. ... Benedict College is located in Columbia, South Carolina. ... A liberal arts college is an institution of higher education found in the United States, offering programs in the liberal arts at the post-secondary level. ... Baptist churches are part of a Christian movement often regarded as an Evangelical, Protestant denomination. ...

Dr. Charles E. Young is the 23rd president of Allen University, having been installed in 2004.

It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to offer B.A. and B.S. degrees.

Five of the buildings have been designated by the US Department of the Interior as a Historic District.[[ The United States Department of the Interior (DOI) is a Cabinet department of the United States government that manages and conserves most federally-owned land. ...