Dear Friends,
As we continue to bear witness to the seemingly endless onslaught of murders and attacks suffered by people and communities of color across the country, we at the Vermont Community Loan Fund struggle. We search for words and ways to more effectively, more fully, incorporate racial justice into our work and mission.
The Vermont Community Loan Fund is at its core, a justice organization. We condemn the violence and discrimination inflicted upon our community members of color who are our fellow Vermonters, our fellow Americans - our neighbors, our friends, our teachers and guides.
What’s left to us, again, is to again dare harder, hope harder, condemn harder, speak louder - to be unrelentingly vigilant and bold in our insistence on justice. To recommit to listening and educating ourselves about the needs of people of color in our Vermont communities. We will use – even wield - our resources of capital to put money in the hands of Vermonters of color and of other origins and ethnicities, to increase their inclusion and access, to continue to build social and economic justice.
We recognize that this is only a small step on the long road ahead. But we will continue to work to foster a welcoming environment where everyone is offered opportunity; where everyone is respected and valued. Where everyone, regardless of the color of their skin has the right to live, to thrive, and simply to breathe.
Sincerely,
Will Belongia, Executive Director
Dear Friends,
As we continue to bear witness to the seemingly endless onslaught of murders and attacks suffered by people and communities of color across the country, we at the Vermont Community Loan Fund struggle. We search for words and ways to more effectively, more fully, incorporate racial justice into our work and mission.
The Vermont Community Loan Fund is at its core, a justice organization. We condemn the violence and discrimination inflicted upon our community members of color who are our fellow Vermonters, our fellow Americans - our neighbors, our friends, our teachers and guides.
What’s left to us, again, is to again dare harder, hope harder, condemn harder, speak louder - to be unrelentingly vigilant and bold in our insistence on justice. To recommit to listening and educating ourselves about the needs of people of color in our Vermont communities. We will use – even wield - our resources of capital to put money in the hands of Vermonters of color and of other origins and ethnicities, to increase their inclusion and access, to continue to build social and economic justice.
We recognize that this is only a small step on the long road ahead. But we will continue to work to foster a welcoming environment where everyone is offered opportunity; where everyone is respected and valued. Where everyone, regardless of the color of their skin has the right to live, to thrive, and simply to breathe.
Sincerely,
Will Belongia, Executive Director