Steve Schwarzman and Jon Gray’s statement on racial injustices
We are deeply disturbed by the awful acts of racial injustice our country has recently experienced, particularly the horrific murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Coming on the heels of other wrongful deaths of African Americans, it has set off a wave of protest and violence across the United States. Our deepest sympathies are with the victims’ families, friends and impacted communities. All Americans are struggling to make sense of these events.
As civil rights leader, Congressman John Lewis once said, America is about “…the endless struggle to respond with decency, dignity, and a sense of brotherhood to all the challenges that face us, as a nation.” We certainly share his vision.
In the midst of these tragedies, it is important to reassert what we believe as a firm. Blackstone has always strongly embraced diversity of ideas and backgrounds, and has zero tolerance for racism of any kind. We are committed to creating a highly inclusive work environment for people of all races, genders, religions, sexual orientations, ethnicities and nationalities.
Though we are not all together physically, we encourage each of you to reach out to colleagues and friends, to join our firm wide affinity networks, and continue to give back to your communities. You don’t need to identify with an affinity group to show your support and help us promote inclusion.
In closing, as our country today confronts multiple economic and social challenges, it is more important than ever that we come together.
