Outside The Dream: Child Poverty in America

America is a dream. We are a nation created by our collective dreams. Our founding fathers dreamt of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Martin Luther King had a dream of freedom. Others dream of material success. Millions migrate to our shores because America continues to be the place where dreams come true. Yet within our borders a generation of American children exist outside the dream. There are more than 13 million American children living in poverty and despair. Half of all poor people in America are children. These are good kids. They have dreams and hopes. Perhaps we will someday allow these children to become part of the American dream.

© 2024 Stephen Shames / POLARIS PORTFOLIO