Our History

African Benevolent Societies (ABS) were organized as voluntary associations of free blacks who resided in the north, and purposely stayed away from the rural areas and the Midwest. These organizations were organized for blacks and by blacks, and engagement of whites would be welcomed but regulated to maintain that blacks controlled the board of directors.  The outcomes sought by (ABS) were focused on preventing crime, pauperism, and social services to those who were in need. These societies were productive in that a census report generated by the Pennsylvania Abolition Society concluded that Philadelphia blacks were far less in need of public charity after assessing the Philadelphia population. Further (ABS) was also engaged in political advocacy around issues like emigration to Africa and the abolition of slavery in the U.S. W.E.B Dubois analyzed financial data of over 70 benevolent societies and concluded that the economic force was strong, with totaling just under $17,000 collectively.

In a nod to the members cultural African religious roots, especially since many of its members were either directly from Africa or only a generation removed the (ABS) had a central characteristic of offering to its member's burial services and burial grounds which can still be traced throughout the U.S today. When observing the ABS and its social service and education commitment, it can be seen in the mission of the African Marine Fund of New York City, which raised money to educate poor African children. They ultimately purchased a two-story building that used for a school, an underground railroad stop, and (ABS) meetings. With much of likenesses as a church, Former benevolent club members Richard Allen and Absolom Jones were trailblazers in organizing what became a black Methodist ecclesiastical organization.

In that same tradition, on March 13th, 2020 a collective of Black churches, organizations, students, and individuals came together to coordinate emergency work that led an effort that responded to the needs of those who were vulnerable, low income, and senior citizens. Building on resiliency, ingenuity and community that effort served over 100,000 meals  in the City of Detroit. That same collective spirit caused this loosely affiliated collaborative to reach back into the historic roots of the African Benevolent Societies and Birth the Detroit Benevolence Society.