West Philadelphia Girl Scout helps homeless, aims to form Black History club

CHESTER, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — “I think giving back is very important. That’s what our church is really about,” said 16-year-old Vashti Valentine. “Because there are people out there who don’t have what you have.”

Valentine, a West Philadelphia resident, is a member of the Asbury-Murphy AME Church in Chester, Pennsylvania. There, she and her mother participate in routine community service. Today they joined the gathering to pack and distribute blessing bags to the less fortunate in the area.

When not working at the church, Valentine does community service as a Girl Scout with Troop 91. She has previously received her silver award by creating masks for members of her church. As for her Gold certification, she aspires to start a Black History Club under the same umbrella.

“I plan to start a Black History Club to learn more about African Americans in America and how they have contributed to us today,” Valentine said.

Valentine will also be involved in the Eastern Pennsylvania Girl Scouts’ Take the Lead initiative, which will culminate in March with a camp-themed networking and cocktail reception.

As part of the program, selected Girl Scouts can accompany women with a wide variety of careers and learn more about their paths. In particular, Valentine was partnered with Nydia Han, the Consumer Investigative Reporter here at 6abc WPVI-TV.

During a recent visit to 6abc, Valentine was able to meet and interview Han. She got an up-close look at the process of bringing a story to life, from conception to broadcast. In her experience, Valentine will write a short essay for her to read when introducing Han as the winner at the Take the Lead event.

Nydia Han said the inspiration wasn’t a one-way street.

“She’s already trying to be a changemaker and an activist and I have so much respect for her and I’ve learned so much today,” she added.

Vashti Valentine was particularly touched by Han’s experience of racial discrimination. In 2017, Han’s exchange with a motorist led to a viral social media post and digital series titled “#ThisisAmerica.”

“I’ve really seen Nydia overcome some of those racial issues as well and really show her best side,” Valentine said.

In the future, Valentine hopes to become a writer, actress, or history teacher to help students become more familiar with the lesser-known success stories of all types of minority communities in America.

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