Leo Burroughs, founder and president of Roots of Scouting, Inc., addresses the crowd at their recent 35th Anniversary African Heritage Awards Luncheon. (AFRO Photo/Roberto Alejandro)
Roots of Scouting, Inc., an organization of Baltimore-area Boy Scout troops which seeks to develop leaders in the African-American community, recently marked its 35th anniversary at an awards luncheon.
The organization honored those who have served the African American community, and celebrated the importance of developing institutions controlled and operated by Black people.
“The honorees are a combination of youth and adults who’ve distinguished themselves in service to the African American community in a very special way,” Leo Burroughs, the group’s founder and president, said at the Feb. 28 awards luncheon.
Among the honorees was the late Camilla Marie Jordan Parham, who spent her life serving the Baltimore community as a teacher as well as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader.
“ was such a tremendous great light, and so warm in spirit that she has influenced my life positively,” said Burroughs.
Roots of Scouting was founded 35 years ago to deliver programming similar to that of the Boy Scouts—of which Burroughs is a member and serves as a troop scoutmaster—but which would be controlled by, and focused on the needs of, Black people.
“We needed another vehicle by which we could tailor-make and design programs and activities that are uniquely designed to fit the needs of African people in a special way,” said Burroughs.
The 35th anniversary luncheon recognized six honorees in all, including Jabari Gilliam, a Boy Scout who saved two young boys from drowning at a community pool in the summer of 2012.
At the luncheon, Mike Walton of the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America encouraged those present to continue to support efforts like those of Roots of Scouting.
“We need more positive, Black faces to be among all of the faces in Scouting,” said Walton.
ralejandro@afro.com