Girl Scouts Celebrate Black History Month with Patch Program

This year Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines commemorates Black History Month with a patch that was created and designed by local Girl Scout Troop #3432. The Girl Scout council patch program ensures that Girl Scouts who earn the patch fully understand the significance of the African American community contributions to American History, from the simple to the life-changing events.

The council patch program is designed for Girl Scouts to earn patches by exploring a wide variety of topics. Each patch requires Girl Scouts to complete an age appropriate number of activities in the categories of Discover, Connect, and Take Action, which are the three keys to leadership central to all Girl Scout experiences. Suggested activities for earning the Black History patch include doing research to learn facts about important African Americans who had an impact on the history of both the United States and North Carolina, reaching out to local NAACP chapters, visiting a North Carolina African American cultural site, and connecting with fellow Girl Scouts in African countries.

Girl Scouts have historically blazed a trail for diversity and inclusion. With Girl Scouts longstanding efforts to desegregate Girl Scout troops, the organization is celebrating 100 years since the launch of the first troop of African American girls in 1917. This positive change led to the integration of more troops in 1950, 14 years before the Civil Rights Movement. By 1941, Girl Scouts from all races and ethnicities are shown in photos attending camp together. Girl Scouts was even recognized by Martin Luther King Jr. in 1956 as he described the organization as "a force for desegregation." Girl Scouts has helped create leaders of today and tomorrow, Dr. Gloria D. Scott became the first African American president of Girl Scouts of the USA in 1975. Over the past century, African American women have taken leadership positions within the organization and nearly 300,000 African American girls now proudly call themselves Girl Scouts.

National African American History month is celebrated each year in February to recognize and honor the impact African Americans have had on the history of the United States. In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, designated a week in February to recognize the African American contribution to our nation. In 1976 the period of commemoration was extended to the whole month of February. Girl Scouts welcomes all girls and is always accepting new members.

Learn how you can register today at www.nccoastalpines.org or call 1-800-284-4475