Communiqué
An indelible look at the realities of growing up poor in America. “Born Poor” on FRONTLINE – October 7 at 10 pm
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“Born Poor”
Tuesday, October 7 at 10:00 pm
In Born Poor, the filmmakers follow Kaylie, Johnny, and Brittany across three chapters of their lives as they grow from kids to teenagers to adults, trying to pursue their dreams while dealing with an economy where they face more obstacles than opportunities — and trying to overcome the grinding poverty that shaped their childhoods.
Despite difficulty, loss, and setbacks, Kaylie, Brittany and Johnny — now navigating parenthood themselves — refuse to give up on their pursuit of economic stability and an American dream that’s felt perpetually out of reach.
“Do I ever get tired of the struggle? Absolutely,” Johnny says. “But I feel like if you get another day to breathe and wake up and make something happen, you got to get off your butt and make it happen.”
Amid headlines about economic uncertainty, inflation and the faltering U.S. job market, Born Poor is a must-watch documentary that gives an unforgettable perspective on the lasting impact of financial distress.
“Once you get in the hole,” says Brittany, “it’s extremely hard to find your way out.”