On this day we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a man who embodied the ideals of courage, confidence and character to which we as Girl Scouts are committed. His heroic embrace of brotherhood, sisterhood and forgiveness in an angry, fearful and divided time was an inspiration and sign of hope to millions, and helped save a troubled nation from tragedy. He made the world a better place for all.

More than fifty years ago Dr. King singles out the Girl Scout Movement as “a force for desegregation.” We are still a powerful force for equality and positive change as we develop the leadership skills of nearly two and a half million girls from every race and every walk of life. Our girls teach people to read, clothe and comfort the homeless, perform community service, and much more – all in all make the world a better place. Through acts of compassionate public service, they continue Dr. King’s work of transforming our world.

Girl Scouts – Leading the Way for 100 Years

• The first Girl Scout troop for African American girls was formed in 1917.
• By the 1950s, GSUSA had begun significant national efforts to desegregate Girl Scout troops and camps.
• In 1956, Martin Luther King, Jr. applauded the Girl Scouts as a “force for desegregation.”
• In 1969, the Girl Scouts launched a nationwide project to help support civil rights and fight against prejudice.
• Gloria D. Scott, an African American, was elected National President of the Girl Scouts in 1975.