Intelligence Squared Survival and Hope in New York City, with Andrea Elliott
Feb 11, 2022
Andrea Elliott, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and investigative reporter for The New York Times, shares her insights on the life of Dasani Coates, a resilient child navigating homelessness in Brooklyn. The conversation highlights the stark wealth gap in America and the family’s emotional struggles. Topics of systemic racism in child welfare, the impact of gentrification, and the psychological toll of poverty on children are discussed. Elliott also emphasizes the need for empathy in healthcare and the importance of policy change to address these issues.
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Episode notes
Meeting Dasani
- Andrea Elliott met Dasani Coates outside a homeless shelter in Brooklyn while reporting for The New York Times.
- Dasani, a spirited and bright child, lived in cramped conditions with her family, facing poverty and homelessness.
Dasani and Aviana's Bond
- Dasani and her sister Aviana, named after bottled water brands, were inseparable until separated by child protective services.
- They were placed in different foster homes and eventually reunited at a subway station in a powerful moment.
Writing Style
- Elliott aimed for a writing style that balanced beautiful prose with journalistic accuracy, transporting readers while reminding them of the story's reality.
- She used video and audio recordings extensively to ensure accuracy and read her writing aloud, including to Dasani and Aviana.
