On Feb. 10, over 100 girls and their families gathered at The Parsons Leadership Center for Girls and Women at Camp South Mountain to celebrate sisterhood, learn from influential community leaders, and engage in uplifting activities during Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC)’s cultural celebration for Black History Month, Mahogany in Motion.

“Mahogany in Motion is an empowering event rooted in storytelling and self-love. During our time together, girls of all ages and backgrounds went on a Black history exploration through art, history, self-care and more,” says Mary Mitchell, co-CEO of GSACPC. “In this powerful environment, girls engaged in a variety of culturally significant projects that encouraged them to create and express themselves. It was a compelling way to commemorate Black History Month.”

Girls Scouts from the Troop 1141 Choir opened the annual celebration with songs ranging from traditional Girl Scout sing-a-longs to the Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing. Through a guided painting experience with local storytelling visual artist Tiesha Harrison, girls explored art as a form of self-care and a means of embracing resiliency. Girls also discovered the importance of developing a skincare routine tailored to their skin with a session from Girl Scout Alum Alex Bradberry, who owns The Sparkle Bar, a Scottsdale-based luxury makeup studio. Licensed Clinical Social Worker Lindsay Love led reflective sessions with girls focused on the power of journaling and what it means to be a sister to every Girl Scout.

In addition, the event also hosted a hands-on Historical Figure Scavenger Hunt, in which attendees explored Parsons Leadership Center as they learned more about notable historical figures and events in Black history, including civil rights leader Rosa Parks, who visited GSACPC’s very own camp back in 1992 to address Girl Scouts on the importance of literacy and the freedom to learn.

Mahogany in Motion provided a safe space for girls to freely express themselves, explore the beauty in identity and deepen their understanding of Black history. The Girl Scout movement is committed to a diverse membership reflective of the girl population of its communities. Through Girl Scouting, girls and volunteers learn about themselves and the acceptance and appreciation of individuals from diverse backgrounds.

For more information, visit http://www.girlscoutsaz.org.

About Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC)
In partnership with 6,500 adult volunteers, GSACPC serves over 12,000 girls grades K-12 in more than 90 communities across central and northern Arizona. Since 1936, GSACPC has helped girls develop leadership skills and tools for success in a rapidly changing environment. We know that given the opportunity, every girl can become a leader, act confidently on her values, and connect with her community. For more information, visit http://www.girlscoutsaz.org.