are there black amish

Yes, there are Black Amish people in the United States. While the Amish community is predominantly white, individuals of African American descent have joined Amish communities through conversion, marriage, or adoption. Historical records show Black Amish individuals have existed since at least the late 18th century, with one notable early example being Moses Shirley, a former slave who became an Amish minister in the early 1800s. Today, several hundred Black Amish people live mainly in Amish communities across Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. However, there are no distinctly separate "Black Amish communities" or villages; Black Amish members are integrated within the broader Amish settlements. Black Amish people observe the same faith, lifestyle, and customs as their white Amish counterparts, including plain dress, limited use of technology, and strong family and community commitments. Despite some historical segregation policies in Amish churches in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Amish faith is open to anyone who accepts its beliefs and way of life, regardless of race. The presence of Black Amish enriches the Amish culture with a blend of African American heritage while maintaining traditional Amish values.