New Starbucks merch honors disability community with a message of care

There is more than just joy and beauty in illustrator Ananya Rao-Middleton’s new collection of merchandise for Starbucks. There’s a message too. The words “Care in Community” seem to best express her experience as a woman of color living with multiple sclerosis and post-concussion syndrome.  

“I wanted to create something that epitomizes my experience being a disabled person and having access to the disabled community,” Rao-Middleton said. “One of the key parts of being in the disabled community that has meant so much to me has been the amount of care that I've received from people within that community. We just uplift and care for each other so beautifully.” 

Read more: https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2024/starbucks-artist-collaboration-series-with-ananya-rao-middleton/