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Citi Welcome
YOUNG & BLACK PARTNER
Today’s economic and social challenges affect us all, but perhaps none more so than young people, and especially young people from marginalised backgrounds. Today’s youth are demanding changes, including greater equality of opportunity and better safeguards for our environment. Young people are taking to the streets, and increasingly being heard.
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In 2020, the Black Lives Matter movement pushed systemic racism firmly back onto the public and political agendas around the world. For many ethnic minorities, racism has always been an additional barrier to negotiate. Young people learn early on how to navigate school, friendships and work against this context. From overt racism to micro-aggressions, systemic racism continues to be a global problem, the impact of which is felt by individuals, families, and communities.
We have long been committed to helping level this playing field for youth, and through the Citi Foundation have invested $200 million globally since 2014 in employability and entrepreneurship training programmes aimed at young people. Covid-19 hit underserved communities especially hard, and we explored new ways to provide economic opportunities to young people, especially those who are ethnic minorities.
We have been collaborating with great partners such as ThinkForward to provide safe spaces for youth to discuss systemic racism, ensuring they are heard and have a platform to elevate their voices. Our support of the Young and Black project provided youth from all backgrounds an opportunity to learn about racism and its effects directly from their peers, who are affected by it every day.
Through a series of discussions and creative workshops, ThinkForward has helped young people amplify their voice. Through this outlet, black youth have been able to share how racism influences how they navigate the world around them, shapes their identities, and societal views. These powerful conversations have been transformed into the art by the young participants, and are included in this book.
Amir Karimi Citi Managing Director TTS Sales
James Fleming Citi Co-Head BCMA UK & Ireland
