Are you ready to be inspired? Welcome to a journey through the remarkable legacy of Black women who, as proud members of the Girl Scouts, have left an indelible mark on history.

From the early struggles against racial segregation to the present day, the Girl Scout Movement has been a catalyst for empowerment and leadership among Black and African American girls.

Though initially racially segregated, the first troop for Black girls was established in 1917. By the 1950s, GSUSA initiated a national effort to desegregate all Girl Scout troops, with Martin Luther King Jr. acknowledging the Girl Scouts as “a force for desegregation” in 1956. Over its 100-year history, GSUSA has fostered noble leadership among Black women, with the first African American GSUSA President, Dr. Gloria D. Scott, serving from 1975 to 1978.

In recent times, GSUSA has forged partnerships with historically black colleges and universities, Essence magazine, and organizations like the National Urban League, United Negro College Fund, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and 100 Black Men of America, Inc. These collaborations have enriched the Girl Scout Movement, attracting new volunteers and Girl Scouts. Presently, nearly 300,000 Black and African American girls are actively involved in Girl Scouting, contributing to the organization’s beauty and strength.

The theme for Black History Month in 2024 is “African Americans and the Arts.” Numerous Black Girl Scout alum have made groundbreaking contributions to arts, fashion, television, and music over the years, exemplifying the potential for every Girl Scout to be influential in their communities and the world, making it a better place.

Highlighted among these accomplished individuals are notable Black Girl Scout alumnae:

Queen Latifah

Occupation: Actress, Singer

Background: Born Dana Elaine Owens in Newark, New Jersey, Queen Latifah earned acclaim as a rap artist with her debut album “All Hail to the Queen.” Her single “U.N.I.T.Y.” won a Grammy Award. In addition to her successful music career, she made her movie debut in Spike Lee’s “Jungle Fever” in 1991 and was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in “Chicago” in 2002. As a former Girl Scout, she recently lent her voice to “Lifetime of Leadership,” a documentary celebrating famous Girl Scouts.

Robin Roberts

Occupation: Television Anchor

Robin Roberts, a Black woman and Girl Scout alum, anchors Good Morning America. Over the course of her career, she has received numerous accolades, including the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism and induction into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

Dionne Warwick

Occupation: Singer, Actress, Television Host

Background: Born in East Orange, NJ, Dionne Warwick ranks among the top U.S. hit makers from 1955 to 1999. Warwick is a legendary American singer known for her soulful and sophisticated vocal style. She has recorded numerous hits across several decades. Some of Dionne Warwick’s most well-known songs include “Walk On By” (1964) and “I Say a Little Prayer” (1967). She served as the United Nations Global Ambassador for the Food and Agriculture Organization. Her commitment to empowering others is inspirational.

Star Jones

Occupation: Television Host, Fashion Designer, Lawyer, Writer

Star Jones, a former Girl Scout, co-hosted The View for nine years. In addition to her prominent role in television, she is a fashion designer, lawyer, and writer. She was the first African-American woman to host a courtroom reality-drama in the subcategory of arbitrations.

Mariah Carey

Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Actress

Background: Mariah Carey, a former Girl Scout, is renowned for her exceptional vocal range and melismatic singing style. Known as the “Songbird Supreme,” she has produced chart-topping hits, including the best-selling Christmas song by a female artist of all time, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Carey comes from a mixed racial background of Irish, African-American, and Venezuelan descent.

Meghan Markle

Occupation: Former actress, former fashion designer, Duchess of Sussex

Background: Born on August 4, 1981, in Los Angeles, Meghan Markle has a mixed-race heritage. Before her marriage to Prince Harry, she pursued acting, gaining recognition for her role as Rachel Zane in the legal drama series Suits. An outspoken feminist, Markle addressed issues of gender inequality and showcased influential women on her lifestyle website, The Tig. Her contributions to the arts through her acting career and fashion design are significant.

These women exemplify the diverse and impactful journeys that Girl Scouts can undertake, highlighting how we foster leadership, empowerment, and success across various fields for all women.

Want to learn more? Make this Black History Month even better and earn the Black History Month Fun Patch with your troop!

Download and complete the free Fun Patch Activities here. Then, go get your patch at the Girl Scout Shop!