Girl Scouts, family, friends, and more from Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GCNWI) recently gathered on Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, to explore the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago and learn about the historical significance of Chicago’s Black Metropolis! This was the council’s very first gathering in honor of Juneteenth (learn more about the history of the holiday) and one of our first gatherings in person, and we were very excited to see everyone.

Read on below to learn about this awesome event (and see some pictures!).

Exploring Chicago’s Black Metropolis

Bronzeville was historically known in the early 20th century as the “Black Metropolis,” rich in African American business and culture. Girl Scouts came together to walk through our brand-new Chicago Neighborhood Walk Patch Program, which guides participants through a tour of murals, historical landmarks, and notable businesses in the Bronzeville area, as well as educates Girl Scouts on the Black history of the city.

At one stop on the scavenger hunt, Chicago muralist Chris Devins gave a surprise pop-up talk about the 2020 mural series, “Stations: Scenes from Bronzeville’s Family Photo Album,” and discussed with Girl Scouts the importance of “placemaking” (building art into communities to protect historical memories) in the Bronzeville community.

We were so happy to celebrate and honor Black culture and history on such a significant day and on Chicago’s south side, and we look forward to more neighborhood exploration together!

One of the organizers and Troop Support Specialist Latoya Bearden-Gardner reflected on the event: “To see Girl Scouts from all over the council come together to learn about the rich history in this community was amazing. It represented more than just another program or event and was instead a prolific statement. One that says COVID-19 cannot stop the work that we do to impact the lives of girls; one that says that we are strong enough together to overcome even the greatest of challenges; and one that says to the community and to the city, in big bold GREEN letters, that we are here!”

Scroll through to see pictures from the event!

Didn’t make it to the event? No problem!

You can still participate in the Photo Scavenger Hunt!

Download the Chicago Neighborhood Walk Patch Program.

When you’re done, you can add the patch to your vest!

Check out our other Patch Programs online!

Join Girl Scouts and Become Your Best Self

Finding your voice and becoming your best self? That’s what it means to be a Girl Scout!

Join Girl Scouts or renew your membership today and get ready to explore with us!