Black triplets from New York make history as Eagle Scouts

17-year-old triplets have become the first Black siblings in the United States to earn the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.

Black Triplets make history as Eagle Scouts

Helaina Danetta Rivers, Henri Daniel Lispare Rivers IV, and Henniyah Danella Rivers of Brightwaters, N.Y. were recognized by Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr. with the Community Leadership Award for their historic accomplishment.

The triplets journey began at age 11 after meeting the sheriff and expressing a desire to serve their community. Since then, they’ve dedicated themselves to scouting, earning merit badges and leading service projects that enhanced public spaces in their hometown.

Details

Each sibling completed a unique Eagle Scout project at Brightwaters Town Hall: Helaina replaced a deteriorating flagpole, Henri installed permanent benches, and Henniyah designed paving stones and planter boxes to beautify the area.

The siblings credit their parents for their ongoing support through their journey.

“We’re just very thankful to have such loving, supportive parents guiding us through it all,” Henniyah told CBS New York.

Their love for alpine skiing

The Rivers triplets also share a passion for alpine skiing, a sport introduced to them by their father. They now aim to represent Jamaica, their mother’s homeland, at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

Representation matters

Their achievement marks a milestone not only in scouting but also in representation. “Representing the Black community in snow sports is really important to me,” Henniyah said. “There are not many in this sport, and it’s inspiring to meet younger Black athletes who want to get involved”.

The Eagle Scout rank, first awarded in 1912, is earned by fewer than 5% of Scouts nationwide. The Rivers triplets now join a legacy that includes U.S. presidents and astronauts, while blazing a new trail for future generations.