Editor’s note: The following was originally published on the website of The New School Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy. See the original here. Stay tuned for an upcoming report on Baby Bonds by Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families in March.
What does it take to build real opportunity? And what happens when that opportunity is out of reach from the start? In this Baby Blog, leadership at Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families (AACF) lend their voices and their unique perspectives to reflect on why Baby Bonds matter, and how lived experiences, early investments, and family circumstances shape the paths young people are able to take.
Pete’s Perspective
Growing up, I was afforded many opportunities thanks to a childhood in a solidly middle-class family. Even though many years have passed, I am only two generations removed from Greek immigrant grandparents who chased the American dream—not defined by dollars, but by family. While I never met my maternal grandmother—she died when my mother was only 13—my grandfather lived well into his 90s. His life was defined by working as a short-order cook six or seven days a week to provide for nine children.
Though my grandfather placed a high value on education, college was out of reach for his older children. As the seventh child, it would have been out of reach for my mother as well if a high school teacher hadn’t taken a special interest and directed her to scholarships that enabled her to attend a regional state university. My mom honored her caring mentor by channeling her college opportunity into a career as an elementary teacher, nurturing generations of future citizens and leaders.
My father’s family immigrated to the United States in the 19th century, and he was the first to attend college, eventually earning a doctorate in science education and building a career as both a professor and a state-level education policy expert and leader. Unsurprisingly, my parents instilled in my sister and me the value of education from an early age. Not just for personal growth and development, but also for engaged citizenship, addressing society’s challenges, and sustaining a strong democracy.As Thomas Jefferson said at the founding of our country, “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.” I share Jefferson’s view that a strong educational system is vital to educating all citizens. I therefore embrace Baby Bonds, as they are instrumental in making post-secondary education a reality for more of our young citizens.
Keesa’s Perspective
Like Pete, I grew up with many opportunities due to my middle-class upbringing. My father’s military enlistment meant that I, along with my mother and brother, got to travel the world during his 21 years of service. My mother, one of the first in her family to go to college and a long-time social worker, instilled the importance of education and hard work. I was a typical college student by all accounts. I did well academically, joined several campus organizations, and gained lifelong friends. However, near the end of my sophomore year of college, I discovered that I was pregnant.
Navigating pregnancy, school, and my part-time jobs at 19 years old was particularly tough. I needed government assistance as my part-time jobs did not pay enough to cover our health insurance and basic necessities while attending school full-time. During my last two years in college, I met many other young mothers as we all sought to balance our new adult responsibilities while barely being considered adults ourselves. Despite living in a college town, only a handful of us attended school in any capacity. Many of the mothers who were my peers were just trying to keep their heads above water.
This time of my life was over 25 years ago, but I think about that time and those mothers often. I wonder where they are and how life is progressing for them and their children. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, in 2024, 27% of single-parent families lived below the federal poverty line. Investing or saving often takes a backseat as parents, especially single parents, juggle the rising financial costs of raising children. Research has shown that children raised in poverty are far more likely to remain in poverty as adults. That’s why I champion Baby Bonds, because they serve as a tool to break the cycle of poverty.
In Summary: Arkansas and the South
Southern states often compete to avoid that inauspicious 50th ranking, whether it be maternal and infant health, hunger, or educational attainment. A map of the United States reveals that the highest concentrations of childhood poverty stretch from New Mexico across the South and up through Appalachia. The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2025 Kids Count Data Book ranks six southern states—Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and West Virginia—among the last 10 in overall child well-being. Arkansas ranks 45th in economic well-being, 36th in education, 47th in health, 46th in family and community, and 45th overall.
The “same old, same old” approach has not worked to eliminate Southern childhood poverty and well-being gaps. Corporate and individual income tax cuts have not resulted in widespread and consistent economic growth. “Right-to-work” policies and restrictions on organized labor have not benefited workers and their families. Tax incentives to lure big business to Southern states have not yielded higher incomes or greater wealth for most Southerners.
Baby Bonds are a bold solution to the seemingly intractable lack of opportunity to build wealth. They are a natural fit for the South, as they are a pro-family, pro-opportunity, pro-growth policy that helps children born into poverty build wealth. Baby Bonds expand every child’s future.
As William Faulkner, one of the South’s favorite sons, said, “To understand the world, you must first understand a place like Mississippi.” And Arkansas.
Keesa Smith-Brantley became Executive Director of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families (AACF) in February 2023. She has extensive experience in state government, serving from 2013 until 2023 as the Deputy Director of Youth and Families. Keesa holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Pete came to Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families (AACF) in 2024 after a 28-year career in higher education. He serves as Director of Economic Policy, leading the organization’s efforts in family economic security and tax and budget advocacy. Pete holds a PhD in public administration and policy from the University of Georgia.