How have you celebrated Black History Month?

One of the highlights of the month for me, was attending the Barnardo's Black History Month event at the University of Westminster.

I learnt a lot about Barnardo's history and achievements, such as learning that in 2018-2019 Barnardo's directly supported more than 294,300 children, young people parents and carers. That they have 8,000 staff and 20,000 volunteers. That they are putting equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything they do.

We heard from some of their service users on the night, including Pandora Christie from Heart FM who had a challenging start in life.

We were also were privy to an exhibition sharing the stories of some of the first black and ethnic minority children in Barnardo's care. The stories were heart breaking and images haunting.

Sisters Sarah and Maud Richards mother died of scarlet fever, and then their father died of a haemorrhage, they were taken in to Barnardo's care in 1906

The Peter Siblings who grew up in Liverpool. Their father had abandoned them and their mother couldn't make ends meet, they ended up in the care of Barnardo's in 1882.

Barnardo's is clearly reaching out and aiming to be a more inclusive organisation internally and externally. They described themselves, not as doing 'outreach' but 'reaching in' to communities and helping those within them to support others.

I share my thoughts in the video below:

Do let me know what have been your highlights of Black History Month, what really made you stop and think?

Huge thanks to @Fezzan Ahmed for inviting me @Marie Broad for accompanying me to this event and great to see @Diahanne and @Serita there too #BlackHistoryMonth