We are saddened and alarmed by the senseless shootings in Atlanta this month and by the growing national trend of violence against Asian-American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI)–as our neighbors, local business owners, and valued members of our community. With respect to International Women’s Month, we also acknowledge that six of the eight the victims in the Atlanta shootings identified as female. We, at the Montgomery County Green Bank, offer our condolences, and stand in solidarity with the AAPI community in our fight against racism, xenophobia, and discrimination.

The Green Bank’s mission is  “to build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusively prosperous, resilient, sustainable, and healthy community.” We have much to do – but we increasingly approach our work with specific intention about inclusive and equitable offerings, education, and engagement with people of color and vulnerable groups. And we do so in partnership with Montgomery County officials as well as with diverse stakeholders, businesses, and residents.

We invite those facing racism and inequity in the County to contact us, to take part in our Board meetings, and to convey their ideas and issues so that we may better serve the community. We welcome suggestions on how to better support participation of all our community members in our efforts. Our CEO can be reached at tdeyo@mcgreenbank.org or by calling 240-453-9000. We promise to listen and to be a partner in advancing racial justice and equity.

Bonnie Norman, Board Chair of the Montgomery County Green Bank

Tom Deyo, CEO, Montgomery County Green Bank