Annetta M. Lane

The United Order of Tents is an organization for African-American churchwomen founded in Norfolk, Virginia,[1] in 1867 by Annetta M. Lane (c. 1838-1908)[2] and Harriet R. Taylor.[3] There are chapters across the United States. It is a secret society, with parts of membership and organizing only shared with members. It is the oldest benefit society for black women in the United States.[4] At its height, national membership reached approximately 50,000 women.[5]