The devastating murder of George Floyd is only the latest, deeply disturbing example that institutional racism is endemic in our society and unconscionably allows Black Americans to be undervalued, discriminated against, and even killed.

Neighborhood Trust’s mission of financial empowerment is rooted in our understanding that our country’s economy was founded on and has grown via racist policies and institutions that have depleted the wealth—and the opportunity for economic mobility—of Black Americans and other people of color.

We have always focused on tackling the financial symptoms of racism, including poverty and the extreme racial wealth gap, but we need to do so more explicitly. This begins with taking a look at ourselves and ensuring we’re doing our part to confront and dismantle racism.

We stand with all of the individuals and organizations who persist in the fight for racial and economic justice.