Standing with the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) proudly recognizes Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), it is important that we take the time to celebrate the AAPI community’s rich cultures and significant contributions to the neighborhoods across Illinois and Wisconsin.
We also recognize this is a challenging time for the AAPI community. Over the past year, AAPI community members throughout our city, our District, and our country have been victims of unthinkable acts of violence. Our values oppose hate of any kind, and we stand with our AAPI colleagues, members, loved ones, and community members to affirm our unwavering support for them and all other victims of hate crimes.
DEI is woven into everything that we do.
Last year, through our COVID-19 Relief Program and Targeted Impact Fund, we saw the positive impact our products and programs can have in promoting equity across our District. In partnership with you—our members—we proactively seek ways to better promote racial equity, raise awareness of racial equity dynamics that exist in the affordable housing and community development space, and find new solutions that can increase equitable opportunities across our District.
Within our organization, our Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion provides channels for us to have courageous conversations that address societal issues, celebrate diverse backgrounds, help us learn about different perspectives, and deepen our empathy for others.
Earlier this year, for example, we held signature events for Black History Month and Women’s History Month. In May, we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Our AAPI signature event will amplify AAPI voices and honor the vibrant culture and enduring strength of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The event will offer our employees the opportunity to support and deepen our understanding of the AAPI community.
This AAPI Heritage Month, we also underscore the importance of our collaboration with you. Our mutual DEI goals mean there are numerous opportunities for us to work together to create positive change. We are dedicated to not only celebrating the diversity, contributions, and importance of the AAPI community, but also designing the products, services, and solutions that encourage equitable opportunities that enable the AAPI communities in our District to thrive.
Best regards,
Michael Ericson
President and CEO
We also recognize this is a challenging time for the AAPI community. Over the past year, AAPI community members throughout our city, our District, and our country have been victims of unthinkable acts of violence. Our values oppose hate of any kind, and we stand with our AAPI colleagues, members, loved ones, and community members to affirm our unwavering support for them and all other victims of hate crimes.
DEI is woven into everything that we do.
Last year, through our COVID-19 Relief Program and Targeted Impact Fund, we saw the positive impact our products and programs can have in promoting equity across our District. In partnership with you—our members—we proactively seek ways to better promote racial equity, raise awareness of racial equity dynamics that exist in the affordable housing and community development space, and find new solutions that can increase equitable opportunities across our District.
Within our organization, our Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion provides channels for us to have courageous conversations that address societal issues, celebrate diverse backgrounds, help us learn about different perspectives, and deepen our empathy for others.
Earlier this year, for example, we held signature events for Black History Month and Women’s History Month. In May, we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Our AAPI signature event will amplify AAPI voices and honor the vibrant culture and enduring strength of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The event will offer our employees the opportunity to support and deepen our understanding of the AAPI community.
This AAPI Heritage Month, we also underscore the importance of our collaboration with you. Our mutual DEI goals mean there are numerous opportunities for us to work together to create positive change. We are dedicated to not only celebrating the diversity, contributions, and importance of the AAPI community, but also designing the products, services, and solutions that encourage equitable opportunities that enable the AAPI communities in our District to thrive.
Best regards,
Michael Ericson
President and CEO