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Solidarity_Rally_ColumbusIN_June 04, 202

RACIAL EQUITY

Recent national discussions and protests have highlighted the unresolved racial issues that continue to divide our country. Corporations and local and state government, including police departments, have stepped forward to make changes that demonstrate that the status quo should not stand when it comes to racism.

Heritage Fund's leadership is adding its full support to the call for change. We are proud to join and acknowledge the many other organizations in Bartholomew County that also have efforts underway to study, understand and take actions to create a more equitable community. 

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In August 2020, the HFBC Board unanimously approved a motion to "spend the next 24 months studying and reflecting on the issues of racial equality and equity and determining how HFBC can make a positive impact on the community".

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The board will spend the next two years reviewing materials and exploring ways to eliminate prejudice, discrimination and systemic barriers in Bartholomew County. In order for Bartholomew County to become the welcoming community it is striving for, the entire community must be proactive in addressing racism and equity. It is important to first learn, then reflect, then act. 

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HFBC has a long history of investing in the growth and well-being of our community. Through this initiative, we are seeking to help catalyze courageous conversations within our board and the larger community to recognize and address racial inequities. 

 

Heritage Fund Racial Equity Committee Members

Tom Harmon, Chair, Heritage Fund Board member

Tracy Souza, Heritage Fund

Lori Thompson, Heritage Fund Board member

Jarvis Cooper, Heritage Fund Board member

Felipe Martinez, Heritage Fund Board member

Tom Vujovich, Heritage Fund Past Board member

Kelly Benjamin, Heritage Fund Board member

Laura Leonard, Heritage Fund Past Board member

Mark Stewart, Heritage Fund Board member

John Burnett, Heritage Fund Board member

Matt Kirr, Heritage Fund Board member

Alice Johnson, Heritage Fund Board member

Aida Ramirez,  Heritage Fund Board member

Brad Davis, Heritage Fund Board member

Johnnie Edwards, Heritage Fund Board member

Kyle Hendricks, Heritage Fund staff support

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

The Heritage Fund commits to establishing a community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.  We believe our differences are a source of strength and that understanding, appreciating, and celebrating our differences will ensure a stronger and healthier community.  Heritage Fund invites our donors, community partners, and stakeholders to invest in creating a forward-thinking community that is welcoming, respectful, and actively engaged in racial and cultural equity.

More Information

Heritage Fund's Racial Equity Committee has developed a working list of resources for community members interested in further developing their understanding of systemic racism and its effects on American life. We will continue to add resources to this list through the next two years to share our learning with the community.

Racial Equity Resources

BOOKS

  • Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? By Beverly Daniel Tatum

  • Race for Profit: How Banks and the Real Estate Industry Undermined Black Homeownership by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor

  • White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo

  • The History of White People by Nell Irvin Painter

  • The New Jim Crow by Michele Alexander

  • Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

  • Me and White Supremacy by Layla Saad

  • The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee

  • Just Sustainabilities by Julian Agyeman

  • Becoming Better Grownups by Brad Montague

FILMS

  • 13th

  • I am Not Your Negro

  • Teach Us All

  • Just Mercy

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