IntroductionThis article delves into the diverse contributions that people of African descent have made to America's pluralistic religious landscape and replicates various passages from our textbook. It focuses on nonreligious leaders' personal narratives toward religious leaders, exemplifying their influence on the African American religious movement during slavery and the Reconstruction of America. Each section represents different historical periods, regional variations, and non-Christian expressions of African-American religion. From Africa to Ancient AmericaOlaudah Equiano, Traditional Ibo Religion and CultureDuring 1766, Olaudah Equiano learned to read the Bible and was amazed by the exact laws and rules to which his country, Nigeria, has always adhered. After being baptized, Equiano identified with Christian abolitionists in England and began writing his first autobiography on the Igbo religion. Equiano delves into how Christianity relates to African descent and its culture. In his passage, he describes the similarities between Jews and Africans: from circumcision to offerings, from purifications to ablutions, from belief in a Creator to life after death. Jupiter Hammon, Address to Negroes in New York State Jupiter Hammon was a distinct minority in the African-American community and was the first black to write and publish poetry. His personality was deeply religious and conservative, unlike the other slaves. Hammon studied the Bible and preached to slaves, while at the same time teaching the sublimation of spiritual freedom in favor of physical freedom. In 1786, in New York City, Hammon addressed members of the African Society, asking slaves to submit to their masters. Hammon concept...... middle of paper ...... ement effect was a religious crusade as much as a social and political campaign. Conclusion The second edition of “African American Religious History: A Documentary Witness,” covers the religious experiences of African Americans – from the late 18th century to the early 1980s. My article is written in chronological order to reflect on the progress made by blacks over the years, from the first religion of Africans to the black religion of today. Race relations and religion play an important role in today's society: history is present in everything we do and it is in history that African Americans find their identity and aspiration. This course expanded my knowledge of African American religious history and allowed me to gain a greater appreciation for black churches. Works Cited African American Religious History: A Documentary Witness