Please read this open letter to Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP Global). It’s an important and unresolved issue of anti-Black racism which deeply affected my friends and colleagues Nneka Allen, CFRE, COC, PCC Mide Akerewusi, B.Sc., M.Sc. (Econ), CSR-P, CDEP. and Múthoní Karíukí HBSc, MPNL, CFRE while they served on the Board of Directors at Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Greater Toronto Chapter.
As an optimist, I want to believe that good can come from all of this. I imagine a world where my faith which has been shaken in this institution is renewed and I believe that they can serve all fundraisers, but that will take time and much deliberate effort. But first and most importantly, I want to see closure and repair for my friends.
Please support actions which will encourage change to happen such as signing this petition which is a request to remove AFP-GTCs 10-star status, as this is awarded to organizations that are exemplifying IDEA principles, but unfortunately the addressing of this situation has fallen short. https://lnkd.in/gaADM_ei
As a past AFP-GTC Board Member who was a witness and a bystander, I recognize and truly regret the role that I played here of not taking action when I should have, for reasons which I am understanding more and more over time, none of which are excuses. I have never claimed to be perfect or not susceptible to the same forces that can impact all of us (spoiler, it’s white supremacy that makes us afraid to make mistakes which is where true learning and growth can happen). As part of the healing process, after owning my role, I have joined in solidarity on this journey with Nneka, Olumide, and Múthoní to see them find the resolve that they deserve. I wrote about my experiences of being brown in rooms where white supremacy and power can cause harm even between racialized folks, as well as sharing Nneka Allen, CFRE, COC, PCC‘s lecture “Us and Them: What It Means to Belong” which outlines what she went through here – https://lnkd.in/gxbGDvCN
If you are someone who I have a personal or working relationship with and want to understand why this is important, or you’re struggling with fear or inner conflict because you want to take action but the fear is taking over, I’m happy to connect with you. I believe in a path forward.
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