Women first made their appearance in ministry in the late 1800's to early 1900's. This happened in response to strength in women such as Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth. It inspired women like Minister Charslie Mae White Sweat to take a lead in the religious community.
Working together with the Pastor Rev. Anthony Ferman Sweat, Charlsie increased the attendance of the church they ran together by thirty-five people. Charlsie is the female assistant pastor in the Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Andrews, in Cherokee County. This church has experienced many changes as far as pastors and speakers and even was torn down at one point. Any one individual that makes a difference to benefit the church is needed.
"The history of black women's difficulties since emancipation has led them to work side by side with black men, white women and white men and sometimes one another in the quest for a better life for themselves and their families" -Anne Miller Woodford
