Black History Month 2024

As we celebrate Black History Month, Olive Branch Fostering is proud to honour the cultural richness and remarkable contributions of Black individuals, especially the inspiring stories of Black children in foster care. At Olive Branch, we believe that culture plays a vital role in every child’s life, and we encourage our foster families to embrace and celebrate the diverse heritages of the children they care for.

What is Black History Month?  

Black History Month is a dedicated time to recognise the history, achievements, and contributions of Black people across all walks of life. It's not only about acknowledging the past but also about shaping an inclusive future. Black History Month helps us understand the importance of cultural belonging and the role it plays in creating a more equitable society.

Reclaiming The Narrative

This year's Black History Month theme, "Reclaiming Narratives," marks an important step toward recognising and correcting the stories of Black history and culture.

By focusing on "Reclaiming Narratives," the aim is to bring more attention to the richness of Black stories, allegories, and history. This theme highlights the commitment to addressing historical inaccuracies and celebrating the untold success stories that showcase the full depth and complexity of Black heritage. It’s about reclaiming the narrative, honouring heroes, and challenging the stories that have often overlooked the remarkable contributions of Black individuals, both in the UK and around the world. #ReclaimingNarratives

Our Commitment to Diversity

At Olive Branch Fostering, we are committed to celebrating diversity and culture. We offer support through cultural events, language classes, and mentorship programs that help foster children connect with their roots and build a strong sense of identity and belonging. These initiatives aim to ensure every child feels valued and empowered.

Belonging Beyond Borders

Coming soon will be our new podcast, Belonging Beyond Borders, looking at and celebrating different cultures and talking to our young people about their experiences. We will also be talking to them about people who inspire them, whether they are in the public eye, a family member, a teacher, or a friend.

In the first episode we will be taking a look at Simone Biles, so for a sneak peek, here is our Simone Biles fact file.

Simone Biles: A Story of Strength and Triumph

Simone Biles, one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, was born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1997. As a child, Simone and her siblings faced a challenging start in life. Due to her birth mother’s struggles with addiction, Simone entered foster care at a young age. She was later adopted by her maternal grandparents, who provided the support and stability she needed to thrive.

Despite her difficult beginnings, Simone used her resilience to fuel her passion for gymnastics, becoming a world champion. Her story serves as an inspiration to foster children everywhere, proving that with love, support, and perseverance, anything is possible. At Olive Branch Fostering, we honor the incredible journeys of children like Simone Biles, who show that no matter where you come from, you can achieve greatness.

Let’s join hands in celebrating diversity and creating brighter futures for all children in foster care!