Mrs. Zadora Whitlow McCoy: Girl Scout Trailblazer 

Priscilla Richardson Mayfield 
2018 
41x48 inches 
Cotton felt, vinyl, polyester and rayon thread, cotton blend batting, embellished with wood, hair, fur, machine embroidery, machine and hand quilted 
The quilt depicts two girl scouts standing before a picture of the founder of Camp Mira Sol, Zadora Whitlow McCoy. This was the first camp area specifically for Black girl scouts in San Antonio. The fact that her career in the Girl Scouts started before the Civil Rights Movement is important; segregation was still a large issue, and funding for extracurriculars for children of color was not present. It’s difficult to imagine the work Mrs. McCoy had to put in to create a safe and empowering space for young Black girls. According to the quilt, Mrs. McCoy was a staff member of the Girl Scouts for 34 years. This quilt is a reminder of the ways that quilt making can carry on the legacy of community heroes.