Painted in response to new federal guidelines limiting access to Head Start* for undocumented children. The messaging on their shirts — like “Don’t be a victim” and “You can do it” — can feel motivating to some, but overwhelming to others. The child’s distress highlights the emotional weight of expectations placed on young shoulders, especially when opportunity feels out of reach.
*Head Start is an early childhood program in the United States that provides free education, health, nutrition, and family support services to low-income families with children from birth to age five.
