Colleagues,
As I’m sure is the case for all of us, this past week’s events have weighed heavily on my mind. George Floyd’s tragic, unjust death at the hands of the police is a sobering reminder of the racial injustice that has long existed in America. Likewise, the scenes of individuals turning what could and should have been lawful, peaceful protests into violent riots are horrifying.
Violence should not beget more violence, but rather should strengthen our resolve to join together to solve the most pressing challenges facing our society. Sadly, our country was already on edge because of the current health and economic crisis, which has, of course, had a disproportionate impact on communities of color. Moreover, we are living in a time of extreme political divisiveness where we struggle to come together and find common ground. Understandably, people from all walks of life are feeling uneasy, uncertain, frightened and angry.
I have long believed it is our collective responsibility to challenge our biases, take time to understand the experiences of others, and acknowledge that issues of race and bigotry are still very real in today’s society. I believe the work we do through the FS Inclusion Council is critical and will make us stronger, both as individuals and as a business. We are deeply committed to that work and will look for ways to get even better. Similarly, we will continue to invest in our communities and maintain our focus on inclusivity. For us, it’s not about reacting to a current event. We’ve prioritized this work for years. These events do remind us, however, why our work in these areas is so important, and force us to consider if we can be better.
I want to share a recording of Senator Bobby Kennedy’s speech following the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It’s a reminder that the problems our nation faces today have plagued us for far too long. It is also a call to action that I believe we all need to hear. I encourage you to listen to the entire speech, but there is one quote that captures the essence of what I believe we all need to consider: “We can move in that direction as a country, in great polarization – black people amongst black, white people amongst white, filled with hatred toward one another. Or we can make an effort, as Martin Luther King did, to understand and to comprehend, and to replace that violence, that stain of bloodshed that has spread across our land, with an effort to understand with compassion and love.”
Let’s all lead with understanding, compassion and love in our relationships with each other at FS, our clients and in our communities. I ask that we all push ourselves to consider what more we can do. I’m proud of who we are and I’m proud of our track record. Let’s be even better in the days ahead.
About FS Investments
FS Investments is a leading asset manager dedicated to helping individuals, financial professionals and institutions design better portfolios. The firm provides access to alternative sources of income and growth, and focuses on setting industry standards for investor protection, education and transparency. FS Investments is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA with offices in New York, NY, Orlando, FL and Washington, DC. Visit www.fsinvestments.com to learn more.