More than Making Ends Meet: ALICE Stories presented by Reimagine Arkansas
hosted by Epiphany "Big Piph" Morrow and produced by I Am Not Them
Beginning in 2024, we embarked on a focused effort to document the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) experience in Arkansas, leveraging story collection and storytelling to foster solidarity and awareness.
Through this initiative, nine ALICE individuals from across the state were recruited to share their perspectives and lived experiences, shedding light on the combination of hard work, perseverance, creativity, and sheer determination that define life on the edge of economic stability. These individuals contributed personal stories through in-depth interviews, journaling, and digital storytelling, offering an authentic perspective on the impossible choices and daily struggles ALICE households face, as well as their hopes, dreams and aspirations.
Building upon the rich content generated from these exercises, all nine participants agreed to take part in the following docuseries. Hosted by Epiphany “Big Piph” Morrow and produced by I Am Not Them, this series takes viewers across Arkansas to encounter individuals who are pillars of their community yet still live paycheck to paycheck. The series showcases personal stories from ALICE individuals, not only highlighting the systemic failures driving financial insecurity but also underscoring the collective benefits of championing ALICE-related solutions for Arkansas’s future.
By amplifying their voices, we aim to bridge the gap between data and human experience, fostering empathy and driving informed action among policymakers, community leaders, and the broader public. Their stories not only illustrate the realities behind the numbers but also highlight opportunities for systemic change that can lead to a more just and joyful Arkansas for all.