A different kind of deadline
“It was like the worst game show ever, time’s running out!” Dempsey remembers.
As Beyonce’s latest masterpiece “Renaissance” came out this summer, I was reminded how very different most of our 24 hours look from hers. Though we all strive to channel her “alien superstar” energy, the popular Pinterest quote promising we can achieve the same with our day just doesn’t ring true.
In her latest piece for ChangeWire, Bobbi Dempsey reminds us of the systemic barriers that squeeze the days of those who live in poverty. Years ago, she found herself presented with a freelance opportunity that could jump start her writing career. Attached to it was a deadline—but not one most of us in the media industry are used to.
She had one week before the computer she rented with a free coupon was due back. Riding on that week was much more than whether or not she’d get published. It also meant whether she’d be able to pay her electric bill.
“It was like the worst game show ever, time’s running out!” Dempsey remembers.
Under this type of pressure, it’s hard to be creative or innovative—qualities that are integral to any budding entrepreneur. The Elon Musks of the world don’t have to take up brain space to think about these things. Dempsey wonders what a guaranteed income program could do to help give more people a chance at entrepreneurship without the near-impossible to meet deadlines.
The piece comes to life with moving animations by Catherine Killough that capture the potential of doors that swing open for just a moment, but slam shut if you aren’t quick enough. It makes you wonder what it might look like for our economy to be built in a way where we hold the door open for each other.
Editor’s Picks
Abortion protections are disappearing in many states. But in red Kansas, there are signs of hope. Alondra Trevizo writes about the surprising vote to protect bodily autonomy in her conservative home state.
Through a reconciliation process that looked all but dead just a few months ago, the Democrats passed a landmark piece of legislation on healthcare, climate, and taxes. Lilia Cherchari explains the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act. Puede leer este artículo en español.
What’s trending on TikTok can tell us a lot about where young voters are this election cycle. Check out Sa’iyda Shabazz’s take on the hashtag #RepublicansHateCheapGas that took off this month.
Watch Ayanna Albertson talk about the moments that brought her to the movement: Food insecurity as a college student, a change Congress made to SNAP, and slam poetry.
ICYMI
This month left a lot of people wondering, “What moves Manchin?” While the jury’s still out on that one, we can tell you that West Virginia is a state with a growing multi-racial movement seeking to win more for families. Re-read this piece by Jennifer Wells about the beautiful Black leadership in the hills of Appalachia.
On the Horizon
From being silenced in her elementary school classroom, through her short-lived stint performing original music, and becoming a mother—we’ll dive into Eileen Sepulveda’s journey to journalism. Look forward to another collaboration with animation fellow Catherine Killough.