Why was the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World significant as an interracial denomination?

The Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW) was significant as an interracial denomination because it was organized as an interracial fellowship during a period when many other religious institutions were succumbing to racial segregation.1

While the broader Pentecostal movement initially attracted diverse groups—notably at the Azusa Street revival—it frequently faced pressure to conform to the racial divisions prevalent in the American South and within older, established denominations. By maintaining an interracial structure, the PAW stood out as a notable exception to this trend of segregation.1

However, this commitment to racial inclusivity was often a source of controversy. The denomination eventually experienced a split in 1924 when white members departed to form the Pentecostal Church, Inc., illustrating the persistent difficulty of maintaining interracial unity in the face of the era's social and racial tensions. Despite these challenges, the PAW remains an interracial denomination today.21