2 minutes
From the editor
As we start Black History Month, I am reflecting on ways to mark the occasion. Not surprisingly, I often turn to books to help me better understand the perspectives and lived experiences of people who don’t look like me. In fact, my favorite way to celebrate diversity throughout the year is by reading.
I read a lot (122 books in 2022). I tell people that I am a naturally fast and unnaturally frequent reader. Some people are born to run. I was born to read. I always keep a book nearby, and I read whenever I can: at lunch, after work and always before bed.
Last year, about 30% of the books I read were written by authors of color. My goal is to increase that percentage in 2023.
Of course, reading is just one way to expand your understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion. Classes are another option for deep learning. The popular CUES Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate Program, created in partnership with Cornell University, is returning March 15–June 20.
As institutions shift to embrace environmental, social and governance philosophies in their business plans, the CUES/Cornell program will help credit unions shore up the social aspect of ESG by keeping a focus on DEI efforts, creating a truly aware and inclusive work culture along the way.
In addition to offering this world-class course, CUES continues to update its DEI Resource Center, which is a great place to find a wide range of content, courses, learning tools and more.
I hope you will check out how CUES can help your credit union commit to DEI. For further inspiration, read about the work of $11.5 billion Greenstate Credit Union, N. Liberty, Iowa, to advance DEI in its community. Learn why the CU was named the 2022 CUES DEI: Catalyst for Change Award winner in “Taking a Leadership Role in DEI.”
And if you want to read along with me this month, I’ll be reading these books across genres (the last is a book of poetry) by Black authors:
- You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi
- If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin
- The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
- Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman
