Falling in February each year, Black History Month is a month-long celebration of the achievements and contributions of the Black community. This year, the Black History Month Theme is “African Americans and the Arts”, paying tribute to the rich cultural impacts and unique perspectives of African Americans in art.

At Girl Scouts, Black History Month is a time for Girl Scouts to discover, connect, and take action as it relates to learning more about African American history, culture and notable contributions. Through two unique patch programs, Girl Scouts have the chance to learn about historical Black figures, tour African-American memorials and museums, and think about how Black culture relates to their own Girl Scout experiences. Read below to learn more about our Black History Month patch programs, and how you can get involved this Black History Month!

GS-NCCP Black History Month Council Patch

Each February, Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines promotes the Black History Month patch as the Patch of the Month. Throughout February, Girl Scouts are encouraged to participate in the Black History Month patch activities to learn more about African-Americans in history and earn their very own Black History Month patch! For more information on the Black History Month patch program, visit this link.

“I’m a Girl Scout!” Black History Month Fun Patch

Another great way for Girl Scouts to get involved this Black History Month is through the GSUSA Black History Month fun patch! Through this patch program, Girl Scouts are encouraged to immerse their selves in the world of African American culture by researching Black crafted art, music, traditions and more! Whether with a troop or on their own, Girl Scouts have an amazing opportunity to learn all about “African Americans and the Arts” through this fun patch. Learn more about this fun patch program here.

Ways to Get Involved this Black History Month

No matter how you like to celebrate, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved this Black History Month in North Carolina:

Read a Black-authored or Black History book or audio book

• North Carolina Black History Reading List – Triangle on the Cheap
• Black History Month Reading List- American Writer’s Museum
• Popular Black History Month Books – Goodreads

Visit a Black History Memorial, Museum, or Event

• NC Civil Rights Trail – Visit North Carolina
• Researching the Lives of Enslaved Laborers at the State Capitol- State Archives of North Carolina (virtual)
• International Civil Rights Center and Museum – Greensboro, NC
• African American Cultural Complex Museum- Raleigh, NC
• Black History Shuttle Tour – WilmingtoNColor

Support Black-Owned Businesses

• Durham Black-Owned Businesses – Discover Durham
• Downtown Raleigh’s Black-Owned Businesses – Downtown Raleigh
• Black-Owned Business Directory – Wilmington Made
• Here are 40 Black-Owned businesses in the Fayetteville area – The Fayetteville Observer

As we enter Black History Month, we hope that you will learn something new, discover a new tradition, and spread the joy of African-American culture and arts with those around you. Wishing everyone a happy and exciting Black History Month 2024!

Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion by creating a safe and welcoming environment for all through a shared responsibility of each and every member. For more information on council DEI efforts, visit our website today!