Have you ever come across the United Order of Tents established by the remarkable women Jania Lane and Harriet R. Taylor? It’s likely not. This semi-covert collective, made up exclusively of Black women, is one of the oldest fraternal organizations of its kind. Known also as the Grand United Order of Tents, it has deep roots in the history of the Underground Railroad, originating in Norfolk, Virginia.
The organization was founded by two formerly enslaved women, Jania Lane and Harriet R. Taylor. While Taylor remains somewhat of a mystery, Lane was a nurse on the plantation, which granted her the unique opportunity to navigate between the enslavers and the enslaved. She utilized this position to assist individuals escaping slavery via the Underground Railroad.
In 1867, Lane and Taylor officially established the organization, adopting the names of two white abolitionists, J.R. Giddings and Jollifee Union, for safety reasons. This marked it as Virginia’s first mutual aid society for women following the Civil War. The name “Order of Tents” was inspired by the shelters used by runaway slaves during their escapes, symbolizing a “tent of salvation” aimed at uplifting the Black community during the Reconstruction era.
The Tents, or chapters of this organization, dedicated themselves to caring for the sick and elderly, assisting those in distress, and ensuring that deceased members received dignified burials. They created several homes for the aged, including the Rest Haven Home for Adults, which operated for over a century. Additionally, they offered loans and group insurance to community members who were often turned away by banks and insurers.
While these contributions may seem modest, the work of the United Order of Tents was both radical and risky. Lane and Taylor initiated their efforts in a segregated society where many former slaves had just begun to assert their autonomy. They bravely supported their communities in achieving economic independence and stability.
The organization maintained a level of secrecy, with rituals and customs known only to members. To join, one must be invited by a current member, and they adhere to a Christian code which contributed to the safety of its members.
Over more than 120 years, the United Order of Tents has expanded to include diverse levels of membership across Georgia, North Carolina, the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. It has served as a social organization, a sisterhood, and a powerful force for community action.
The United Order of Tents played a pivotal role in what is recognized as the “Black women’s club movement,” which focused on improving community welfare. This movement led to the formation of organizations such as the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) and eventually contributed to the establishment of the NAACP. Mary Church Terrell, the inaugural president of the NACW, eloquently expressed the mission of these organizations, emphasizing the importance of women working together in pursuit of progress.
Women’s History Month and Black History Month often overlook the contributions of women like Jania Lane and Harriet R. Taylor. Nonetheless, the women of the United Order of Tents faced significant challenges and continued their vital work in their communities. Even in their years of operating under the radar, they deserve recognition for their contributions.
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In summary, the United Order of Tents is a remarkable example of a historically significant organization that has empowered Black women and their communities. Despite being overlooked by mainstream narratives, their contributions have had a lasting impact on the welfare and progression of Black communities throughout history. Recognition of their work is long overdue.