Allen University

• Founded: 1870

• Location: Columbia, South Carolina Wikipedia 

• Background: Established by ministers of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church as Payne Institute, the school was later renamed in honor of Richard Allen, founder of the AME Church. Its mission was to provide education to freed African Americans.  Wikipedia

Benedict College

• Founded: 1870?

• Location: Columbia, South Carolina?

• Background: Founded by the American Baptist Home Mission Society as Benedict Institute, the college aimed to educate emancipated African Americans. It was named after Stephen Benedict, a philanthropist from Rhode Island who provided financial support for its establishment. ?ThoughtCo

LeMoyne-Owen College

• Founded: 1862 (as Lincoln Chapel); became LeMoyne Normal and Commercial School in 1871 LeMoyne-Owen College

• Location: Memphis, Tennessee Allen University

• Background: Initially established by the American Missionary Association (AMA) as Lincoln Chapel to educate freedmen and escaped slaves during the Civil War. In 1870, Dr. Francis Julius LeMoyne donated funds to the AMA, leading to the school’s renaming in his honor in 1871.  LeMoyne-Owen College

While all three institutions share the founding year of 1870, specific records confirming their establishment on December 20 are not readily available. These colleges have played significant roles in providing education and opportunities to African American communities since their inception.?