Poetry, powerful personal stories and a shared sense of belonging were at the heart of the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s fostering's Black History Month celebration on Saturday 17 October. The special event brought together children in care, foster carers, families and Royal Borough of Greenwich staff to celebrate heritage, identity and the diverse community that helps children thrive.
The event welcomed more families than ever before and showcased the creativity, confidence and talent of children in care, who shared their poems, Inspired by the theme 'This is where I rise...', the children and young people reflected on Black history, heritage, family and what it means to belong. Guests were deeply moved by the children's words and their honest reflections.
Alongside the performances, families enjoyed a range of activities including face painting and tapestry-making workshops, while a delicious buffet brought everyone together to share food, conversation and celebration.
Adejoke, one of Greenwich's foster carers, hosted the event and helped create a welcoming atmosphere throughout the afternoon, while DJ Kwame provided the soundtrack to the celebrations, keeping energy and spirits high.
The Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Cllr David Gardner joined families, foster carers and colleagues in celebrating the contribution of Greenwich's diverse fostering community.
A special thank you goes to the Caribbean Forum, who judged the poetry competition and provided thoughtful feedback to participants.
The Mayor of Royal Greenwich, Councillor David Gardner, said: “It was such a joy to spend the afternoon with our foster carers, children and families at this year's Black History Month celebration. I was struck by the warmth in the room and the pride on the faces of our children and young people as they shared their poems, stories and experiences.
“Thank you to everyone who helped make the event such a success, especially our foster carers, whose dedication, encouragement and care help children thrive every day.”
Councillor Sandra Bauer, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Post-16 Futures, said: "Our annual Black History Month fostering event is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the diversity, culture and experiences that make Greenwich's fostering families so special. Events like this also strengthen the sense of belonging that is at the heart of our fostering families.
“It’s so important to us that we create spaces where children and young people feel valued, supported and confident to be themselves. Foster carers are at the heart of this, helping children build confidence, develop a strong sense of identity and find their voice”.
Winning Black History Month Poems
Joint Winner
People see where I am now,
But they don't always see how I got here.
The people who kept showing up, even when I pushed them away.
The ones who said, "You've got this," When I didn't believe it myself.
There were days I wanted to give up. Days when everything felt too hard.
But someone always reminded me That I was worth fighting for.
To my carers, my social worker, my teachers, and everyone who never stopped believing in me: Thank you for seeing something in me before I could see it in myself.
Because of you, I'm stronger.
I'm finding my own way.
I'm still learning, still growing, But today I know this: This is where I rise.
Not because I did it alone, but because people cared enough to help me believe I could.
And for the first time in a long time...
I really feel like I belong.
Joint Winner
The echoes of the past may call,
A story etched, through rise and fall.
Of ancestors who bravely stood,
And shaped the world, as best as they could.
From silenced whispers to a roar,
They opened wide a brand new door.
With resilience as their guiding star,
They showed the world just who they are.
This is where I rise, with pride and grace,
Finding my power, finding my place.
My roots run deep, my spirit soars,
Beyond the limits, an all closed doors.
I carry their dream, their fight, their might,
Illuminating darkness with my light.
This is where I rise, unyielding, bold,
A story of triumph, yet untold.
Part 2:
From roots dug deep in sacred ground,
Where tales of courage can be found.
Through trials faced and battles won,
A new day dawns, a brighter sun.
The strength of those who came before,
Opens for us boundless door.
They taught us how to stand up tall,
And answer freedom’s urgent call.
This is where I rise, my spirit takes flight,
Bathed in the glow of history’s light.
With every breath, I claim my space,
A proud descendant, full of grace.
I carry the fire, the hope, the dream,
Flowing onwards, like a powerful stream.
This is where I rise, my voice rings clear,
Dispelling all doubt, conquering fear.
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Congratulations to all the children and young people who took part!
Could you foster?
Our selfless foster carers play a huge role in helping shape the future of young people in care. We urgently need more foster carers to provide children and young people with a safe and caring home while they are unable to live with their own families. Could you become a foster carer in Royal Greenwich? If you are interested in finding out more head to royalgreenwich.gov.uk/fostering