Last week we shared our initial response to the events surrounding George Floyd and the cascading effects it made on our families, our neighborhoods, our city, our country and our world. Through the turmoil and anxiety over the last week we have remained focused on our commitment as stewards of investment capital while reinforcing our pledge to be a part of positive change in society (a change that is long overdue).
While we received several responses to last week’s message that were supportive of our stance and the willingness to speak out, one email articulated a challenge of sorts:
“But tell me what you will be able to say you did one year from now during the 365 days between now and then that made a difference. I say this because I am looking for guidance for myself in knowing what one single person can do to make enough of a difference. I'd like to begin to do that.”
When asked to make a difference one must first take an inventory of what they have of value and are able share. For most of us in the EPIQ sphere we are fortune to have the resources of time, talent and treasure.
We have chosen to give our time by helping to clean up the neighborhood and volunteering to distribute critical nutrition and personal items to those most in need. It is imperative we all find time to help a neighbor.
Our talents reside in financial analysis and investment counsel. We are reaching out to community partners and looking for ways to work with and support affected business owners and entrepreneurs and well as create opportunities and mentorships for improved financial literacy. One such platform we look forward to participating with meaningful intention is Forge North’s latest initiative - https://forgenorth.com/racial-equity/
Last, but not least, we plan to continue our support of organizations that are focused on the underserved Minneapolis/St. Paul communities with contributions totaling $5,000:
The Constellation Fund - https://constellationfund.org/
The Sanneh Foundation - https://thesannehfoundation.org/
Also, we will match up to an additional $5,000 of contributions from readers of this message to the organizations they support. Please share your donation notice and we will turn your $1 of funding into $2.
Will the above be enough? Not in isolation and not without an ongoing commitment to change. We look forward to reporting a year from now. Further, we hope that we are not alone. If enough readers take action in whatever form possible, even if it’s uncomfortable, the voice of change will be amplified.
Of utmost importance is continuing the conversations with our neighbors, demanding systemic changes in our organizations and voting in elections at all levels of government.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and be kind.
EPIQ Partners