GSSEM Celebrates Black History Month This patch program is designed to help Girl Scouts of all backgrounds learn about and engage with the history of African Americans in the United States. Let’s honor the extraordinary and phenomenal African American women and men who shaped U.S. and Girl Scout history! In 1925, Carter G. Woodson, an African American historian, declared February as National Black (or African American) History Month. It was first celebrated as Negro History Week in February 1926, near the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. It was then extended to include all of February. Since 1976, every U.S. president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme. The theme for 2021 is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity,” which explores the African diaspora and spread of Black families across the country. The following activities may be completed as a troop, individually, as a Juliette, or with your family. DISCOVER (5 POINTS EACH) CONNECT (10 POINTS EACH) � African American inventors have significantly � Learn about the first African American influenced American culture. Discover and select Girl Scout troop. Research the troop’s history, three inventors and their inventions to introduce including where it was formed. to your troop/family. � Local businesses are the heart of U.S. culture. � Discover the soul of “Motown” at Hitsville USA! Research black-owned businesses within your Learn the history and significance of the Motown community—and support them by shopping Museum—then grab a friend and sing your there. Learn about the necessary steps to favorite Motown hit! become an entrepreneur. � Discover the first African � Interview an African American woman who’s American woman President of 1) a leader within her community and 2) has the Girl Scouts of USA. What was the same passions as you. Look for women her name and why was Girl Scouts in government, business, STEM, education, important to her. and more. � Rosa Parks is known as the “Mother of the Civil � Do you know the history of African Americans Rights Movement.” Discover the connection she in Metro Detroit? Learn about Detroit’s role in has with the City of Detroit. the Underground Railroad, including all of the � Did you know that Martin Luther King Jr. gave local spots people used to escape slavery. his first “I Have a Dream” speech right here, � Books help tell about our history. Many in Detroit? Discover 1) why the speech was African American women have written about so important and 2) how Detroit inspired him their experiences; find one that inspires you to forge ahead and give his speech in and share it with your troop, family, and/or Washington DC. friends. Suggested authors include Zora Neal � What song is known as the “Black National Hurston, Maya Angelo, Lorraine Hansberry, Anthem?” Learn about the author and lyrics of Ida B. Wells, Oprah Winfrey, and Michelle Obama. the song. Sing the song during a troop meeting � Murals highlight art in so many ways. Learn or with your family. about famous murals across Metro Detroit � Explore stories of prominent African American that honor prominent African Americans. girls/women who you would identify as: Go � Visit a local museum in person or virtually. Getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, or Leader. Suggested museums include the Charles � Discover the first African American Girl Scout Wright Museum, Detroit Public Library, Detroit troop leader. When and where did she serve? Historical Museum, and Detroit Institute of Arts (to see past African American exhibits). GSSEM Celebrates Black History Month TAKE ACTION (15 POINTS EACH) RESOURCES � Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors: With your • Charles H. Wright Museum parents’ permission, share your patch program • DIA: Past African American Exhibits experience through social media. Describe what • National Museum of African American History & Culture you learned and how you plan to honor Black • Detroit Historical Society History Month this year. • Smithsonian Article � Create a showcase of photos, facts, and images • National Center for Civil and Human Rights you’ve learned about while completing this patch program. Create a painting, poster, collage, or drawing—and then share it with others. � Have a party (in person or virtually) to celebrate and honor Black History Month. � Host a book reading or film screening. Lead a discussion with the attendees about what you learned. � Create a list of recommended books, songs, films, and current artists who highlight the contributions of African Americans to history. � Find a place with historic ties to African American history within your community and share it with your school, troop, or family. � Go beyond February to celebrate Black History Month! Make a plan for how you’ll commemorate Black History throughout the year. Once girls have completed the requirements for their level, please visit a council shop* near you to pick up your “Celebrate Black History Month” patch. * At this time, only curbside pickup is available. If you have any questions, please email Leatrice Thompson at [email protected]. NUMBER OF POINTS REQUIRED PER GRADE LEVEL Daisy Brownie Junior Cadette Senior Ambassador 15 25 35 45 55 65.