GAINESVILLE, Fla.–It’s just gotten a little more inclusive under the credit union umbrella, as it should.
Recent events have focused a new and overdue light on issues related to racism, equality, diversity and inclusion, and that includes the U.S. credit union community. There has been new attention on symbols and names that have remained in place even though they originally were created during eras when there was more exclusion then inclusion.
In the spirit of updating such symbols, CUToday.info commissioned a graphic artist to update and refresh an iconic image in U.S. credit union history, the Little Man Under the Umbrella. The Little Man was created by artist Joe Stern in 1923 and began appearing in CUNA publications in 1924. At the time he was created, when credit unions were just beginning to gain traction nationally, he was to be a “symbol for the average man besieged by financial difficulties.”
In the new graphic, the Little Man is joined by more than a half-dozen other people to represent the expanded inclusivity of the credit union community, which is open to all.
Graphic Available Free
“Today’s ‘average man’ in credit union membership is no more and the credit union symbol should reflect that,” said CUToday.info Cooperator in Chief Frank J. Diekmann. “The modern day credit union should be a reflection of a modern day world, and it is exciting and refreshing to hear of all the discussion within credit unions about becoming more inclusive and diverse. The only thing average about credit union membership should be the desire to improve one’s financial life through the concept of mutual self-help. CUToday.info is proud to make this small contribution to the CU community.”
The new People Under the Umbrella graphic is available free to any credit union or credit union organization that would like to have it for use, and in a variety of formats. Those interested can contact Mr. Diekmann at Frank@CUToday.info.