Faith and Freedom Since 1918: The History of University AME Zion Church in Silicon Valley

University AME Zion Church (UAMEZ) has stood in Palo Alto since 1918, and at 3549 Middlefield Road since 1966. It is the oldest continuously operating historically Black church in California's Silicon Valley. This is its story.

Founded in 1918: A Refuge During the Great Migration

In 1918, African American families arriving in Palo Alto during the Great Migration — the mass movement of Black Americans from the South to northern and western cities — needed more than a new home. They needed a sanctuary. A place where they could worship freely, build community, and resist the forces of segregation and exclusion that defined American life at the time.

They built University AME Zion Church.

From the earliest gatherings in private homes, the congregation grew — pooling resources, building a sanctuary, and establishing what would become the cornerstone of Black community life in Silicon Valley for over a century.

The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church: 'The Freedom Church'

University AME Zion Church is part of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion denomination — widely known as 'The Freedom Church.' Founded in New York City in 1796, the AME Zion Church has been a champion of abolition, civil rights, and spiritual empowerment throughout its 230-year history.

Among the historic members and leaders of the AME Zion denomination are Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Sojourner Truth — three of the most important figures in American history and the abolitionist movement. That legacy of courage, freedom, and justice runs directly through our congregation and shapes who we are today.

A Century of Community: Civil Rights, Resilience, and Renewal

For more than 100 years, University AME Zion Church has been more than a place of worship. It has been a gathering place for civil rights organizing, a provider of social services to neighbors in need, a sanctuary for families navigating life in a rapidly changing Silicon Valley, and a home for generations of believers seeking belonging.

Through the decades — through the civil rights movement, the transformation of the Bay Area by the tech industry, and the ongoing challenge of building an inclusive community in one of the most expensive cities in the world — UAMEZ has remained rooted in its founding mission: love, justice, and connection.

2013: Rev. Kaloma Smith and a New Season of Growth

In 2013, Rev. Kaloma Smith joined as Senior Pastor and brought fresh energy, vision, and leadership to UAMEZ. Under his direction, the church has revitalized its ministries, engaged a new generation of young families and professionals, and nurtured a distinctly multicultural and multigenerational congregation.

Rev. Smith is a widely recognized community leader in Palo Alto. In 2017, he was appointed Commissioner of the Human Relations Commission for the City of Palo Alto. In April 2025, he received the Tall Tree Outstanding Professional Award from the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce — one of the city's highest civic honors — presented before more than 200 community members.

2025: Relaunch and a Bold New Chapter

In September 2025, UAMEZ completed a full church relaunch — expanding Sunday services, launching new ministries for children and youth, deepening its digital reach, and recommitting to its mission of belonging for every person who walks through its doors. The relaunch marks the beginning of the next chapter in a story of resilience, faith, and community that began in 1918.

2026: Named a National Grantee by the National Trust for Historic Preservation

In February 2026, University AME Zion Church was named a national grantee of the Preserving Black Churches program by the National Trust for Historic Preservation's African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund. UAMEZ received a $400,000 grant, one of 33 historically Black churches awarded in this year's round.

UAMEZ is the only Silicon Valley church named in this cohort — recognition that affirms what this community has known for over 100 years: this place matters, this history matters, and this church has a vital role to play in the story of American democracy, civil rights, and faith.

Today: A Diverse, Welcoming Home in the Heart of Silicon Valley

Today, UAMEZ is a vibrant, inclusive Christian community serving Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Mountain View, and the greater Bay Area. Sunday services are held at 10:00 AM at 3549 Middlefield Road. Our congregation includes families of every background, young professionals, students, lifelong believers, and those exploring faith for the first time. All are welcome.

The oldest historically Black church in Silicon Valley is still here. Still growing. Still welcoming everyone who walks through the door.

Visit Us

Join us Sundays at 10:00 AM • 3549 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94306 • (650) 272-6742 • info@uamez.com • uamez.com