Rev. W. Douglas Banks kicks off a series of diversity, equity, and inclusion presentations at TruMark Financial® Credit Union
FORT WASHINGTON, PA (October 3, 2022) — On Sept. 28, Rev. W. Douglas Banks, a seventh generation descendant of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, met with TruMark Financial employees and shared his personal journey of accepting and reconciling his ancestry and suggested examples of ways to create a more equitable, inclusive, belonging community. The event was live streamed to reach employees who were not able to attend in person at the Fort Washington headquarters.
Upon learning about his lineage to Thomas Jefferson, Banks said he had to face the flaws he inherited and decide what he was going to do with them. He realized President Jefferson was responsible for some good things but as a slave owner he was also responsible for atrocities.
He believes even out of the worst situations, good things can come. “You cannot fix what you are not going to face,” said Banks. He firmly believes that we are all part of humanity and that once individuals are willing to fix their flaws they can grow past failures.
Banks challenged employees to look within themselves, embrace differences, and create a more inclusive community within the organization as well externally to the members the credit union serves.
About TruMark Financial Credit Union
TruMark Financial is one of the strongest, most progressive credit unions in the nation, offering a full range of banking, investing, and insurance services to more than 140,000 members in Southeastern PA. Founded in 1939, TruMark Financial is headquartered in Fort Washington, PA., and has approximately $3.06 billion in assets through its 24 branches, Call Center, and a suite of innovative online and mobile banking services. To learn more about TruMark Financial, visit www.trumarkonline.org or call 1-877-TRUMARK.
