FINCA's Statement of Solidarity
The recent killing of George Floyd as well as other instances of harassment and fatal attacks of black citizens in our nation have left us all outraged and heartbroken. As an organization that has dedicated its existence to fight for equality, we feel a moral imperative to take a stand.
The late Dr. Martin Luther King once said, “there comes a time when silence is betrayal.” We at FINCA believe that this is the moment when we cannot and will not be silent. We stand in solidarity to stop the unjust systematic barriers and acts of violence against black people. The senseless murders of George Floyd and other black citizens at the hands of police officers are sad reminders of our nation’s violent history of oppression and abuse against African Americans that have persisted over the last 400 years.
We as a nation must do more. Most, importantly, we must listen … change starts with us …
Because of you and with your support, for over 35 years, I have been leading an institution committed to economic growth and financial inclusion for vulnerable communities. My colleagues and I devote our working lives breaking down economic barriers that keep women and other marginalized communities trapped in poverty, and which perpetuate injustice in some of the poorest countries on Earth. Today we are proud to stand in solidarity with the African American community and those fighting various injustices in our own country. Some of our efforts at FINCA include standing up and speaking up for our black colleagues, combatting unconscious bias in the workplace, improving our recruitment and hiring of people of color, and implementing the professional development practices to retain top talent with diverse perspectives. These are just aspects of a larger Diversity and Inclusion agenda we have that aims at creating an inclusive workplace.
I recognize much more is needed and as a white leader I will work to leverage my privilege to positively affect the lives of the oppressed.
Thank you for standing with us as we advocate for meaningful change during this pivotal moment.
Sincerely,
Rupert Scofield
President and CEO
