In August 2022, Jackson, Mississippi—a city where over 80% of residents are Black—faced a catastrophic water system collapse after floods crippled its aging infrastructure. But as residents warned, this wasn’t just a natural disaster. NBC News called it a result of ‘racist exploitation’ spanning decades. 💔
A Crisis Decades in the Making
Jackson’s water pipes, some over a century old, have repeatedly failed, leaving families with brown, lead-contaminated tap water. Schools shut down, businesses struggled, and the city’s crumbling roads symbolized deeper neglect. ‘It feels like we’ve been abandoned,’ said Margaret Simons, a lifelong Jackson resident.
Residents Speak Out
CGTN Global Stringer’s visit revealed a community battling systemic inequity. ‘We’re told to boil water, but how do you boil distrust?’ one local asked. Many linked the lack of federal aid to racial bias, arguing wealthy, whiter cities get faster support. 🚱
‘This isn’t just about water—it’s about who America values,’ Simons added.
