The yellow fever of 1793 was an epidemic that killed over 5,000 Philadelphia residents. Yellow fever is a viral disease that affects the liver and kidneys, causing fever and jaundice that often leads to death. It is transmitted by mosquitoes. Fortunately, the frost eventually killed the mosquitoes, ending the epidemic. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Richard Allen was a black minister and educator who was one of the most influential black leaders of his time. He founded the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which was the first independent black denomination in the United States. During the yellow fever of 1793, Richard Allen helped people infected with yellow fever. During this time, Richard Allen, as well as all other blacks, were blamed for being the cause of the epidemic. Blacks who helped patients were also accused of charging patients high fees and even robbing them. In response, Richard Allen and Absalom Jones, wrote a letter claiming that both men had worked on patients without receiving any payment, also claiming that they had seen white nurses steal from patients. The reality was that Richard Allen and Absalom Jones went to great lengths to help and comfort those suffering from yellow fever and, of course, blacks were not responsible for this epidemic. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The mistreatment of blacks is the unfortunate part of the history of the United States that we see in this lesson. Instead of initially being celebrated for their work during the epidemic, Richard Allen and his people were blamed for what had happened. Today it is good to know how influential Richard Allen was before, during and after the Yellow Fever 1793.