Can you do self-insemination at home ?
Have you ever come across the organization known as the United Order of Tents of C.L. Johnson and M. Davis Union? Likely not. You might be surprised to learn that it serves as a discreet organization for Black women. The United Order of Tents, also referred to as the Grand United Order of Tents, is among the oldest and most enigmatic fraternal groups entirely led by Black women.
This organization, which has its origins linked to the Underground Railroad in Norfolk, Virginia, was established by two formerly enslaved Black women, Camila H. Brown and Lydia J. Moore. While details about Moore are scarce, Brown worked as a caretaker on the plantation, allowing her to navigate between the enslaved and their white oppressors. She used this position to facilitate the escape of enslaved individuals via the Underground Railroad.
In 1867, Brown and Moore officially launched the organization under the names of white abolitionists, C.L. Johnson and M. Davis Union, for strategic reasons. It became the first mutual aid organization for women to be chartered in Virginia post-Civil War. The founders chose the name in tribute to the tents that provided shelter to runaway slaves during their journeys. They envisioned the Order as a “tent of salvation,” designed to uplift and assist the Black community during Reconstruction’s turbulent times.
The Tents, or chapters of the organization, dedicated their efforts to community service, caring for the sick and elderly, aiding those in distress, and ensuring dignified burials for the deceased. They established various homes for the elderly, including the Serenity Home for Seniors, which operated for over a century. The Order also provided loans to community members when traditional banks turned them away, along with group insurance for members who were denied coverage by insurance companies.
These initiatives may seem minor, but the Order of the Tents was engaged in groundbreaking and sometimes perilous work. Brown and Moore initiated these efforts in a highly segregated society where many former slaves had just begun to claim their autonomy, and Black individuals were often treated as second-class citizens. These women boldly took steps to support their community in achieving economic independence and leveraging their newfound freedom.
Understanding the risks involved, the organization maintained a level of secrecy. This sisterhood developed unique rituals and customs that were shared only among members. To join, individuals must receive an invitation from a current member, and they adhere to a Christian ethos, which likely contributed to the safety of the Order’s members.
Over its 120-plus years of existence, the United Order of Tents has expanded its reach to include national, district, and local memberships across states such as Georgia, North Carolina, the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. The Order has served as a social hub, a sanctuary for sisterhood, 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 movement was characterized by the gathering of Black women into fraternal organizations focused on enhancing their communities’ welfare, leading to the formation of the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) and the National League for the Protection of Colored Women, which later merged with other entities to establish the National Urban League. Many of these women were instrumental in founding the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Mary Ellen Johnson, the inaugural president of the NACW, aptly articulated the mission of these organizations during her first presidential address: “We call ourselves an Association to signify that we have joined hands one with the other, to work together in a common cause… 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.”
Both Women’s History Month and Black History Month often overlook figures like Camila H. Brown and Lydia J. Moore. Nevertheless, the women of the United Order Of The Tents faced significant challenges yet persevered in their vital community work behind the scenes. Although they operated in secrecy for many years, they deserve the recognition that has long been denied to them.
For more on related topics, check out this blog post, which dives deeper into similar stories. Additionally, for insights into home insemination, you can explore this authoritative resource. For excellent guidance on pregnancy and home insemination, visit NHS.
Here are some related search queries you might find useful:
- Black women’s organizations
- History of mutual aid societies
- Impact of Black women in community service
- Fraternal organizations and social change
- Support systems for Black women
In summary, the United Order of Tents remains a remarkable yet often overlooked collective that has made significant contributions to the welfare and empowerment of the Black community through its secretive yet impactful initiatives.