Badges of honour as Croydon Guides share special feast to mark Black History Month
A Croydon Guide unit enjoyed a fantastic feast including jerk chicken, Congolese jollof, and stew and dumplings to celebrate Black History Month.
Members of 6th Croydon Guides shared food that reminds them of their family heritage to mark the annual month-long event.
Throughout the month, people take the time to find out stories of black people who’ve made a difference to the country and celebrate Black culture and history.
Girlguiding, the UK’s largest youth organisation completely dedicated to girls, prides itself on celebrating inclusivity and Croydon’s Guides were keen to put that into action.
Ellen Mitchell, leader of 6th Croydon Guides Ellen Mitchell said: “We have a mix of cultures in our unit and we all brought in food that reminds us of our family heritage or means something special.
“We celebrate Black History Month each year as we think it’s important to celebrate all cultures and backgrounds. The girls love learning from each other and trying each other’s home-cooked food.
“We asked them to talk about what the food means to them, how they cooked it and whether they did it themselves or had help. The flavours were amazing.”
The feast included scones, jam and cream, and biscuits as well as those exotic savouries.
Each member of 6th Croydon Guides was presented with a special Black History Month 2024 badge.
As well as the food tasting, the Guides also learnt about the life of Connie Mark –who is regularly named among the most influential black British women in history – and celebrated the stories of other black women that inspire them.
Connie Mark was a medical secretary serving in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), the women’s branch of the British Army during the Second World War.
Connie later became an activist for Caribbean people in the UK and the Mary Seacole Association today recognises the dedication and achievements of the famous Crimean War nurse.
Pictured top: Members of 6th Croydon Guides, Megan, Harriet and Atinuke, with their Black History Month badges (Picture: 6th Croydon Guides)