Banker & Tradesman photo / file
Berkshire Bank and Reevx Labs on Thursday will host the third part of its “Reimagining America” town hall series. Called “How to Be a Strong Ally,” the online session will address how white allies can help build an equitable and inclusive economy that ensures all communities can thrive.
Berkshire Bank said in a statement that its goal in hosting the town hall series is to start a dialogue about how everyone – from economic experts and policymakers, to philanthropists and entrepreneurs – can work together to rebuild a stronger, more inclusive economy, and how supporting this initiative on a community level can motivate change on a national level.
“On the heels of two impactful panels on the future of Black and Latinx economies earlier this month, and in the midst of a national upswelling against racial injustice, we believe it is equally pertinent to discuss what it truly means to be an effective ally and help facilitate change in our communities,” Malia Lazu, Berkshire Bank’s executive vice president and chief culture and experience officer, said in a statement. “Reevx Labs was established as a place for community leaders to realize their shared vision of building opportunity and prosperity. With this panel we intend to continue this dialogue with white allies who are seeking solutions to achieve equity in our economy.”
In addition to Lazu, the online session at 4 p.m. today includes Pete Dominick, comedian and radio/TV personality; Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s; Barbara Clark, lead investor in Portfolia’s Rising Tide, Enterprise, & First Step Funds; and Jonathan Metzl, director of medicine, health and society at Vanderbilt University.
Registration for the town hall is available, and the discussion will stream on Facebook.
