A Message from KIPP Indy’s Executive Director

This week has been yet another reminder about how important it is for our organization to continue our daily pursuit of true anti-racism work. Words will never be adequate when heinous injustices happen, but we will continue to do everything in our power to fight against systemic racism as we mourn the senseless deaths of Daunte Wright and Adam Toledo. We also mourn today the individuals who lost their lives in the mass shooting at Indianapolis’ west side FedEx facility last night. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted, and we stand in solidarity with our nation as the collective healing process begins.

Black and Brown families deserve peace of mind and safety in any space they enter. We cannot rest until this is achieved. I’m proud of the work each of our schools is taking on over the next week-plus to ensure both students and staff have avenues to process the events of the past couple of weeks and discuss specific actions we can continue to take to fight against systemic racism and support our students and each other along the way.

We encourage our students to reach out and speak with their teacher or school social worker as they process these traumatic events. In support of our students, staff, families, and community, we have collected resources to support our collective healing below.

Black Lives Matter’s Healing Action Toolkit

BIPOC Mental Health Resources for Educators and Families

The National Museum of African American History & Culture’s Tips for Self-Care

Self-Care Tips for Black People Who Are Struggling With This Very Painful Week

Discover more resources for BIPOC individuals, parents or caretakers, educators, and White allies at KIPP’s Together for Justice page.