.png.transform/cq5dam.web.1280.1280/img.png "Celebrate Black History Month")
Throughout the month of February, we're celebrating Black History Month by inviting our members to learn more about the cultures, histories, and traditions of the Black and African American communities in Minnesota and across the country. Girl Scouts of all levels can earn the Black History Month Fun Patch by completing fun activities that honor the cultural richness and contributions of Black Americans. See below for more resources to help your Girl Scout dive into Black stories, discoveries, art, history, and more.
What is Black History Month?
Black History Month is a national celebration of black culture and heritage, created to focus attention on the many important contributions of African Americans to the United States. Here's a kid-friendly video about how it got started in 1926.
How do I earn the patch?
Girl Scouts can complete a specific number of themed patch activities required for their program grade level to earn the Black History Month Fun Patch. The sew-on patch can then be purchased at GirlScoutShop.org.
Resources to Celebrate Black History Month
Here are some great ways to celebrate Black History Month with your Girl Scout or troop.
Attend a local event to celebrate Black History Month
Twin Cities
February 2: St. Paul Winter Carnival’s Rondo Night [Saint Paul]
A free celebration of the vibrant history of the Rondo neighborhood of St. Paul. Enjoy lively Rondo performances. Support BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) artisans, businesses and organizations. Savor flavorful bites from Taste of Rondo while learning more about the vibrant history of Rondo.
February 5: RONDO ’56: Remembering St. Paul’s Black Main Street [Saint Paul]
A portrait in music, stories and archival photos of St. Paul’s thriving Black neighborhood in the ‘40s and ‘50s, before it was sliced down the middle to make room for Interstate 94. Starring T Mychael Rambo, Thomasina Petrus, Charmin Michelle and Dan Chouinard, plus a stellar band. Featuring songs from Louis Jordan, Dinah Washington, Nat King Cole, Mahalia Jackson, Big Mama Thornton, Memphis Slim, the Drifters and more. Free will offering. Reservations requested.
February 11: Black History Month Celebration at the Black Market [Saint Paul]
Spend a fun day exploring local black businesses and celebrating Black History! This event features tons of food, drinks, games, music, an art crawl, scavenger hunt, giveaways and more. The Black Market is a family-friendly space that brings together people from across a multitude of communities in Minnesota. Free event. Tickets are recommended.
February 12: Family Day: Black Resistance at the Minneapolis Institute of Art [Minneapolis]
Join MIA on Sunday, February 12 for a day honoring Black Resistance. Learn about Black artists and activists in Mia’s collection and beyond, through activities led by local artists. Family Day is a free monthly event for families, kids, and the young at heart. On the second Sunday of every month, the museum is filled with hands-on art activities, storytelling, artist demonstrations, gallery hunts, self-guided tours and more.
February 24: Celebrating Black History Month thru “Music & Fellowship” [Saint Paul]
Join the staff and the community for live music and food at Hallie Q Brown Community Center. This is all about appreciating Black History through "Music and Fellowship". Music, food and fun to be provided! Free event.
February 25: Celebrate Black History Month By Creating Community Art [Saint Paul]
Join local Community Partner Mosaic on a Stick for a group mosaic-making project at Mississippi Market in St. Paul.
Rochester
Saturdays in February: Black History Month Story Time
Story time at the Rochester Public Library located at 101 2nd St SE from 10:30-11 a.m. Bring your kids for 30 minutes of fun and empowering stories on Black History.
February 11 & 25: Black History Month Knowledge Bowl Virtual Event
Live on the Rochester Branch NAACP Facebook page from 2-3 p.m. Elementary school aged children will be able to participate in a fun jeopardy style event as they test your knowledge on Black History in America. Gift card prize available.
Read a book that celebrates Black culture
Check out this list of nine children’s books that celebrate and offer windows into the world of Black lives and culture.
Watch a video or listen to a podcast about Black history and culture
Check out this list of free video and podcast resources to spark conversations with kids about Black artists, activists, leaders, and pioneers who have made history.
Attend a virtual event from the National Museum of African American History and Culture
Celebrate Black History Month with the National Museum of African American History and Culture! Many free virtual event offerings throughout the month include a series specifically for kids that celebrates Black characters including Princess Tiana, Frozone, and more!
Learn More About Black History in the River Valleys Region
The Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery [Minneapolis]
Explore exhibits, programs and events that educate that center the history, culture, and art of African Americans in Minnesota. The museum is free and accessible to all.
St. Paul Public Library: Commemorate Black History and Culture Exhibition [St. Paul + Virtual]
The St. Paul Public Library will be commemorating Black History & Culture all month long with their Art, Music, Literature exhibition. It includes both virtual and in-person events. 90 W. 4th St. St. Paul.
Minnesota Historical Society: Black History, Black Voices [Virtual]
Minnesota Historical Society’s Black History, Black Voices, strives to deepen understanding of Black history in Minnesota and the contributions that Black Americans have made to the state. Visit the website for archives and programs to learn more. 345 W Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul.
Wisconsin Black Historical Society: Learning Center Resources [Virtual]
Explore lesson plans and worksheets that specialize in Wisconsin’s African American History.
St. Paul Historical Society: Points of Entry Tour [St. Paul]
This interactive tour highlights Saint Paul’s history as a point of entry for African Americans who came seeking new beginnings to create new lives. Saint Paul Historical is a free mobile app that puts Saint Paul’s history at your fingertips. Use the app to experience interactive tours throughout the city.
Learn More About Black History in the Girl Scouts Movement
GSUSA Blog – Black History Month: A Time to Celebrate Black Girl Magic Published January 2020
GSUSA Blog -- Our Salute to Trailblazing Black Girl Scout Leaders Published February 2018
Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital – Celebrating Black History Month Video Published February 2022
