Dasani Coates

Dasani Coates became a notable figure in American journalism and social discourse following the 2012-2013 Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times series by reporter Andrea Elliott. The series, which began with the article 'Invisible Child,' chronicled Dasani's life as a homeless child living in a New York City shelter with her large family. Born in Brooklyn, Dasani's story became emblematic of the struggles faced by working poor families in America's largest city, highlighting systemic issues related to housing, poverty, education, and child welfare. Elliott's intimate, long-form reporting followed Dasani and her family over an extended period, allowing readers unprecedented access to the complexities and human dimensions of homelessness. The series sparked important conversations about urban poverty and became a catalyst for policy discussions. Elliott later expanded the work into the bestselling book 'Invisible Child: Poverty, Survival, and Hope in an American City,' which further elevated awareness of these critical social issues and Dasani's resilience.