In late August 2022, the city of Jackson, Mississippi, faced a severe water crisis after flooding damaged its main water treatment facility. For the predominantly Black community—comprising nearly 83% of the city’s population—this calamity was not an isolated incident but a stark reminder of decades-long neglect and systemic inequalities.
NBC News reported that Jackson’s water crisis stems from years of racist exploitation, with the city’s water infrastructure problems dating back over a century. Frequent water crises have become a troubling norm, underscoring America’s deep-rooted issues related to race and resource allocation.
CGTN Global Stringer visited Jackson to hear firsthand accounts from local residents. Many spoke of not only grappling with “toxic water” containing high lead levels but also enduring closed schools due to insufficient funding, crumbling infrastructure, chronic neglect, and unfair treatment.
“Jackson is in shambles,” said Margaret Simons, a long-time resident. The city’s challenges extend beyond water; they reflect a broader struggle against systemic neglect that has left many feeling abandoned.
As Jackson navigates this crisis, its residents continue to call for immediate action and long-term solutions to address the underlying issues that have plagued the city for generations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
