April 29th 2024.
In a groundbreaking achievement, two Black teenage girls from Michigan have made history by becoming the first in their state to attain the rank of Eagle Scout in the all-gender Scouts program. Kimani Brame and Phoenix Moyer, both high schoolers from Grand Rapids, have earned a minimum of 21 merit badges to reach this prestigious milestone. Their fathers, who are also troop leaders, and older brothers, who have previously participated in the program, were their main sources of inspiration and encouragement along the way. This accomplishment was made possible after the Boy Scouts of America expanded its membership to include girls in 2019.
In an interview with People, the two historic Eagle Scouts shared their journey within the organization and the unexpected realization that they were breaking barriers by being among the first in their state to achieve this rank. "We never planned to be the first. We had no idea until my ceremony, when it was mentioned," Moyer revealed. "While working towards our project and earning merit badges, it never crossed our minds. We were simply following the guidance of our fathers, who are Scout leaders, and our older brothers who were already involved in the program...We were aware that there weren't many Black girls in Scouts, but we never thought of ourselves as newsworthy. It was a complete surprise."
To celebrate their remarkable achievement, Congresswoman Hillary J. Scholten congratulated the two East Kenwood High School students for their determination and ability to "break barriers." She also shared her own experience of being the first and the pride she feels for Brame and Moyer's accomplishment. "I know what it's like to break barriers and to be the first, but you're blazing a trail for so many women to follow...And I couldn't be more proud of you," she said.
While they are proud of their achievement, the two young women don't want to be the only ones to reach this milestone. They hope their journey will inspire more girls to join the organization and strive for the rank of Eagle Scout. "We're also trying to encourage more young girls. It's pretty much just Phoenix and me against the world right now," Brame shared. "I love Phoenix dearly, so I am content with just the two of us, but since we are in higher positions as females, we want to start over and recruit more young girls."
In a related story, a third-generation Girl Scout has taken on a leadership role in the Girl Scouts of Nassau County, highlighting the importance of organizations like these in empowering young girls and breaking gender barriers. Brame and Moyer's achievement serves as a testament to the impact of these organizations and the potential for young girls to succeed in traditionally male-dominated fields.
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