Dear Vanguard Families:

On March 13, 2020 we closed our doors at the order of the Indianapolis Mayor’s Office due to a pandemic that has changed the way the world operates in general and has specifically ravaged Black, Latinx and poor communities. COVID-19 did more than present challenges like our community has never seen; it also made plain the inequities that exist in education, health care, food security, housing, employment and mental health services. Through it all, we are shaken yet
unbroken.

In the last two months in the midst of fighting a pandemic and social distancing, our community has seen an increase in violence. As recent as this past weekend, we lost a friend of Vanguard Collegiate, Mr. Chris Beaty, to senseless violence. As a school community, we are shaken but unbroken.

Adding to our collective community pain, we have seen a recent surge in police brutality and racially charged violence including but not limited to the loss of the lives of Breonna Taylor (Louisville), Ahmaud Arbery (Georgia), Dreasjon Reed (Indianapolis), and George Floyd (Minneapolis). Much like you, we want transparency, accountability and above all else justice. Protests to demand these things have grown violent across our country and in some cases been co-opted by those that have no interest in being heard, the First Amendment, or justice. We are shaken, but unbroken.

As Vanguards, our scholars know that in times like these our community needs true leaders in thought, word and action. Our Vanguards know that true community demands service. Our staff are here for our Vanguard Families. We will continue to support peaceful efforts that improve the plight of our community and assist you all in meeting your most critical needs. We recognize that the daily news cycle can create trauma. To that end, our school therapist is still available for scholars and families. Additionally, the Administration Team will host Zoom meetings as needed for scholars to have a safe space to emote and process current events with their peers and caring adults.

We love you. We are honored to be part of this community. Please be safe. We need you to not only survive, but to thrive and lead the change of today AND tomorrow.

Black Lives Matter.
R. Marshall
Founder & Executive Director
Vanguard Collegiate of Indianapolis