By Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.
(Trice Edney Wire) — As it should be, Flint, Michigan, has been in the news for the last several weeks. I wonder how many more Flints there are for us to share great concern.
A few days ago, in meeting with EPA Administrator, Gina McCarthy, these concerns were expressed. Representatives from many organizations were present, including the National Congress of Black Women, NAACP, Hip Hop Caucus, and Urban League. The EPA not only shared a thorough report with us, but asked for our feedback. We learned, in detail, what is happening to resolve the problem of Flint’s poisoned water. As a note, the job the EPA and other agencies are doing is impressive.
One of the overriding concerns was how the Flint situation went so far out of hand before action was taken. We also questioned how it was possible that citizens could be billed for water that, by official admission, was poisonous. Considering the fact that that Flint is a city of 55% African Americans, the issue of environmental racism was called into question.
With at least 9,000 children under age of 6 that have been exposed to lead and other toxins, long-term health implications for those disabled by their exposure seem ominous. Where there are at least 40% of the households living below the poverty level and another 40% not doing much better, the likelihood of overcoming liabilities associated with hindered cognitive development seems remote! Reason has gone out of the window as the Michigan governor insists that his Emergency Financial Manager Law can manage citizen affairs better than local officials elected by the people.
The Flint crisis is far from being resolved. Michigan has shown itself unable or unwilling to affirmatively attack this problem of its’ own making. How much capital will impacted businesses receive for purposes of rebuilding? What type of therapeutic and jobs programs will be made available for citizens and families impacted by this environmental travesty? This problem is larger than Michigan. It is incumbent upon us to acknowledge the necessity of long-term national support for the people of Flint.
Sadly, this tragedy has left many wondering if the same situation could occur elsewhere. Some label Flint as an anomaly, but reality suggests otherwise. In Louisiana, we have observed Cancer Alley extending from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. The BP Oil Spill worsened this situation throughout the Gulf Coast region — and forget what you hear in the news, the poorest people have not yet been compensated.
We have learned about the toxic situation around Port Arthur and Beaumont, Texas. Lately, we have heard about Crystal, Texas. Reports surface about unsafe drinking water in Eastern Tennessee, in Kentucky, in Charleston, West Virginia, in North Carolina, in Jackson, MS and other places. Living in Washington, DC, near an area called Buzzard Point, we are threatened by the prospect that digging associated with area redevelopment will result in toxins being brought to the surface.
The callous disregard for public health in Flint and other areas gives us all cause for greater concern about exposure to environmental hazards. Our risks increase as infrastructure ages and research discovers errors in the manufacture and use of chemicals and/or man-made materials.
For us and the sake of our children, we must demand greater accountably from those responsible for our food and water supply. Public health officials must assure our safety with appropriate and on-going testing for life-threatening substances in our environment.
More importantly, we must become engaged and do more than pay taxes and expect the best outcomes. We must attend city/county council meetings. We must question our legislatures and political executives and insist upon answers to our concerns. We must get busy or Flint-type crises will become the rule rather than the exception exception.
