Virginia Union in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

First Southern African American Girl Scouts

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 11, 2019

1. First Southern African American Girl Scouts Marker

Inscription. In 1932, the first African American Girl Scout troop in the South began meeting nearby on the Virginia Union University campus. Sponsors of the troop included Lena Watson, Janie Jones, and Mary Virginia Binga. Girl Scouts enjoyed activities such as camping, earning badges, and learning first aid. The Richmond Girl Scouts served as a model for the southern localities as the Girl Scout organization moved toward integration. Initially, Girl Scout activities in Virginia were segregated, but by 1947 African American and white high school girls were working together on the Richmond Council newsletter.

Erected 2014 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number SA-107.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Women. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1932.

Location. 37° 33.77′ N, 77° 27.024′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in Virginia Union. Marker can be reached from West Graham Road west of Brook Road, on the left when traveling west. On the

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grounds of Virginia Union University. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1500 North Lombardy Street, Richmond VA 23220, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Henderson Center (within shouting distance of this marker); White Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Huntley Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Virginia Union University 150th Anniversary Memorial (about 400 feet away); Virginia Union University (about 500 feet away); Coburn Hall (about 600 feet away); Ellison Hall (about 600 feet away); Martin E. Gray Hall (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Additional keywords. HBCUs

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 11, 2019

2. First Southern African American Girl Scouts Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 393 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 11, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.