Have you come across the United Order of Tents of J.R. Giddings and Jollifee Union? If not, you’re not alone. This semi-covert organization is a remarkable collective of Black women, yet it remains largely under the radar. Known as the Grand United Order of Tents, this fraternal group is one of the oldest of its kind, solely operated by Black women.
Tracing its origins back to the Underground Railroad in Norfolk, Virginia, the organization was founded by two formerly enslaved women, Celia M. Brooks and Naomi R. Turner. While Turner remains less documented, Brooks worked as a nurse on the plantation, allowing her to navigate both the enslaved and enslavers’ worlds. She utilized this position to aid in the escape of many enslaved individuals via the Underground Railroad.
In 1867, Brooks and Turner officially incorporated the organization under the names of white abolitionists, J.R. Giddings and Jollifee Union, for safety reasons. This marked the establishment of the first mutual aid organization for women chartered in Virginia post-Civil War. They named it in tribute to the tents that provided refuge for runaway slaves during their escapes, seeing the Order as a “tent of salvation” aimed at uplifting the Black community during the trying times of Reconstruction.
The various chapters, or Tents, dedicated themselves to serving their communities by caring for the sick and elderly, supporting those in need, and ensuring that the deceased received proper burials. They set up several homes for the elderly, including the Rest Haven Home for Adults, which operated for over a century. The Order also provided loans to community members when banks turned them away and offered group insurance when traditional insurers refused coverage.
While these efforts may seem ordinary, the work of the United Order of Tents was both radical and, at times, perilous. Brooks and Turner embarked on this mission in a deeply segregated society where many former slaves had just begun to assert their autonomy. These women bravely took steps to support their community in achieving economic independence, despite the risks involved. The organization maintained secrecy, establishing rituals and customs known only to its members. New members must be invited by current ones, and they adhere to a Christian code, which likely contributed to their safety.
Over its 120-year history, the United Order of Tents has expanded to include national, district, and local memberships across Georgia, North Carolina, the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. The Order has served as a social hub, a safe haven, and a collective force for action.
The United Order of Tents played a pivotal role in what is now recognized as the “Black women’s club movement.” This assembly of Black women in fraternal organizations aimed at improving their communities laid the groundwork for the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) and the National League for the Protection of Colored Women, which later joined forces with others to form the National Urban League. Many of these women were also instrumental in founding the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Mary Ellis Carter, the inaugural president of NACW, eloquently articulated the mission of these organizations in her first address: “We call ourselves an Association to signify that we have joined hands one with the other, to work together in a common cause. We proclaim to the world that the women of our race have become partners in the great firm of progress and reform… Our peculiar status in this country demands that we stand by ourselves… Our association is composed of women… because the work which we hope to accomplish can be done better… by the mothers, wives, daughters, and sisters of the race.”
During Women’s History Month and Black History Month, figures like Celia M. Brooks and Naomi R. Turner often go unrecognized. Yet, the women of the United Order of Tents courageously faced numerous prejudices while diligently working to uplift their communities behind the scenes. Despite their years of operating in secrecy, they deserve acknowledgment for their significant contributions.
This article was originally published on March 29, 2021.
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Summary:
The United Order of Tents, a historic and covert organization founded by formerly enslaved Black women, has played a crucial role in aiding their communities since the post-Civil War era. With a focus on mutual aid and empowerment, this fraternal group has contributed significantly to the welfare of Black communities while navigating societal challenges.