Hello,

I’ve been struggling with writing this message this week because I could not find the right words. To be honest, I had a different email planned for you this week, one that celebrated the work we have done over the past several months.

In light of the recent events, though, I want to acknowledge the sadness, hurt, confusion, and anger blanketing our nation. I want to reiterate My Money Workshop’s continued support of the black community. My Money Workshop serves a diverse population, including many low-income individuals of color. As the national conversation turned from the pandemic to one of systemic change this week, I found myself reflecting on My Money Workshop’s purpose.

To our core, My Money Workshop is committed to furthering the economic power of our communities. As a Latina, and the leader of this organization, it is essential for me that My Money Workshop uses our resources to support our black and brown communities who have been systematically disenfranchised for years.

This week, a truth most of us black and brown people knew to be real has been unveiled for all to see, race and equity, or lack thereof, in the US, go hand in hand. In 2018 the median income for a black person was $41,692, while their white counterpart earns $70,692. That is not news to those of us who do the work we do. Yet it is now becoming a truth that cannot remain hidden. The black community across the board receives less funding for education, healthcare, housing, etc. (see readings below). The more work we put into helping these communities succeed, the more we will begin to see equal representation across all industries, especially the finance industry.

Financial education is how My Money Workshop helps foster the success of our black participants, friends, and neighbors. Together with our partners, we are helping to shift the needle toward equity and the success of our communities of color.

There are many ways you can join in to support. Here are a few:

• Continue to share #BlackLivesMatter (because they do)
• Shop from local Black-owned businesses who had been affected previously by the COVID-19 closures and now by looting
• Educate yourself:
  • https://psmag.com/education/nonwhite-school-districts-get-23-billion-less-funding-than-white-ones
  • https://www.epi.org/blog/racial-and-ethnic-income-gaps-persist-amid-uneven-growth-in-household-incomes/

My Money Workshop will always strive to educate, uplift our communities, and equip them with the tools they need to arm themselves on their journey toward financial freedom.

We have a long road ahead of us, but this week has shown that together – whether black, brown, or white – we can make our voices heard.

#insolidarity #BlackLivesMatter

Stay safe and healthy,
Gineyda