An Oakland-based girls’ group inspired by the Black Panthers seeks to provide a left-wing alternative to the usual Thin Mint-shilling troupes that hawk their capitalist goodies this time of year.
“Radical Brownies empowers young girls of color to step into their collective power, brilliance and leadership to make the world a more radical place,” according to Radical Brownies’ Facebook page. The group is for girls aged eight to eleven. It does not appear to be affiliated with any official national Girls Scouts organizations.
The group’s Facebook page also features photographs of the girls holding “Black Lives Matter” signs.
“As queer women of color and avid trans allies we believe in creating trans and gender non-conforming inclusive spaces. We embrace the spectrum of gender diversity throughout our lessons and activities with group members,” according to the group.
Co-founder Anayvette Martinez said on the Facebook page that she wanted her elementary school-aged daughter to be part of a different kind of Girls Scout troupe, saying, “I began to imagine what a radical young girl’s social justice troop looked like; a group that centered and affirmed her experiences as a beautiful and brilliant brown girl against so many societal pressures to conform to mainstream ideals of girlhood.”
The group also explained why the girls wear berets: “The Radical Brownies are inspired by movements grown by the community; movements that fight for justice for their communities and seek alternative ways to look after and represent themselves. The berets pay homage to the spirits of the Brown Beret and Black Panther movements of the past.”
The group has only raised $80 so far on its GoFundMe account.
Here’s an inspiring illustration for the troupe, courtesy of its Facebook page.
