Where is your nearest garbage dump? Where does the local factory go when it needs to get rid of some particularly toxic chemicals? If there was a disaster, would you have to move? Could you?
Sociologists use shorthand terms like “environmental racism” to draw attention to the fact that poor communities and communities of color are often more likely to be exposed to hazardous materials, and cases like the Flint water crisis drive this point home.
Of course, housing inequality also means that nobody has to dump anything to put poor communities in hazardous positions. One recent example of this is the flooding in Houston after Hurricane Harvey. Over at Socius, Yuqi Lu gathered data on the median household income in neighborhoods across the Houston area from the American Community Survey and matched it with land elevation data from Google Maps.
In general, poorer neighborhoods in Houston sit at lower elevations, and thus are more susceptible to flood risks. This relationship is strongest in less-densely-populated areas, such as rural and suburban neighborhoods, but additional analysis in Lu’s articleshows the relationship is robust.
Thelatest reports are in on human caused climate change. Regardless of whether we can act to turn it around in time, we’ll also have to recognize the fact that not everyone faces the same fallout from environmental hazards and natural disasters.
Evan Stewart is a Ph.D. candidate in sociology at the University of Minnesota. You can follow him on Twitter.
From the second one: “In 1910, Black farmers owned more than 16 million acres of land, according to experts. In 2017, when the most recent agricultural census was done, that figure was just 4.7 million acres, about 0.5% of all farmland.” The value estimate is for “1920 and 1997 in the 17 states where almost all Black-owned farms were documented.”
They concluded the article with: “A Biden administration effort to provide debt relief to farmers of color as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, framed as repair for past USDA discrimination, is currently stalled in court after white farmers argued it was discriminatory.”
“People of color,” “BIPOC,” whatever “of color” is harmful and they know it . When there is a specific thing that deeply affects Black Americans, they love to shoehorn “POC” or “Black and brown” just to make everyone feel included even tho it’s not their fight nor does it affect them. God forbid if Black Americans finally receive restitution for this country’s unpaid debts towards us huh… Lump everyone in … This is how things never benefit Black Americans, but others…if anything is actually done…
Just how Biden shoehorned in Native Americans (italicized for the Dawes Rolls $5 Indians) as a stipulation when it comes to Black Americans (despite our lineage reflecting American Indian descent through the US census records going as far back to the 1500s and those oral familial tribe stories generationally passed down) finally receiving federal and state reparations for chattel slavery and lost land, and federal and state-sanctioned laws that created and still heavily piles atop the the centuries deep wealth disparity between Black Americans and white Americans/others immigrating in.
So why was the land seized? You know why. But for clarity:
-It’s more profitable for stolen land from Black Americans now headed by white farmland owners (to generate more wealth disparity in favor of white wealth) and Latino farmland owners to enlist cheap (illegal) labor through Latino farming in America. Just as with carpentry. This was originally filled with Black Americans who built this country and their descendants soon became less sought after to keep the monetary payout low. Trading places. Cheaper (illegal) labor. This is where you insert mass immigration which leads to food insecurity and land disparity for new residents. Mass immigration has never/will never benefit any country.
-White South Africans have been coming over here displacing Black American farmers in states like Mississippi.A continuation into the wealth and land disparity. They’ve been in court for a minute where Black farmers are suing in regards environmental racism (pay disparity, benefits they weren’t allowed to receive, accommodation disparity where white South African acquired rent free housing, racial slurs; the works). South Africa is even keeping track.
- “China is buying up American farms.Washington wants to crack down. By the start of 2020, Chinese owners controlled about 192,000 agricultural acres in the U.S., worth $1.9 billion, including land used for farming, ranching and forestry, according to the Agriculture Department.” This isn’t unfamiliar territory for a number of countries in Africa who’s seeing the same happen in their countries .
There’s a lot that goes into undermining an ethnic group. These are just a few. Meanwhile people say all we do is complain and look for (non-existent) handouts. Comedy…
Police in Flint Michigan have been preying on people’s hopes for clean water, by showing up with filters, then arresting people who have outstanding warrants. Now, the Chief of Police has been fired, without warning, and many believe it is because of the controversy that ensued when the original report went viral.
Local WJRT 12 News confirmed that Flint Police Chief James Tolbert has in fact just had his employment terminated. But police officials would offer us no explanation as to why they fired him. But Chief Tolbert told WJRT that he met with Mayor Karen Weaver and was told “your services will no longer be needed.”
Here’s how it works: the police officer shows up with bottled water or filters. They tell the resident that they are there to give the bottles and/or filter to them… “but first, we have to cross you off of our list. What’s your full name?”
After the resident has positively identified themselves, the police cuff and arrest them.
They come up with any methods and motives to ruin our lives. They are trying to arrest us for nothing, in the moments of common difficulties, even when we are suffering from a shortage of water! Our grief is a joy for them, I have long understood this simple truth. They get excited when we become weaker. I don’t want the cops were involved in social life, because I do not feel safe!
Our #JusticeForFlint Event on Sunday Raised Over $150,000 for the People of Flint Affected by the Flint Water Crisis. Although Our Event is Over, the Fight for Justice and Democracy in Flint Has Just Begun. To Support Our Brothers and Sisters in Flint, Please Donate Today: rev.ms/Flint. Check Out All the Highlights and Unforgettable Moments from Our Event That Featured Live Musical Performances by Stevie Wonder, Janelle Monáe, Ledisi, Musiq Soulchild, Robert Glasper, Royce Da 5'9, Vic Mensa and Many More:
I Went to Flint, Drank the Water, and Saw the Future of Civil Rights: http://nym.ag/1RvJO1d via NY Mag
“‘We’ve really been moved by the hope you guys have and the bright future that’s here. So our heart really goes out to you. We’ve been inspired since we’ve been here,’ Ryan Coogler told the crowd at #JusticeForFlint” USA Today: http://usat.ly/1RQ7MGZ
11 Things You Missed If You Watched the Oscars Instead of Justice for Flint: http://bit.ly/1Ysqpn2 via MIC
“In Flint, the message was a strong — and direct — one in the at-capacity auditorium: Music, poetry, art has the power to incite change, start and further conversations, inspire the afflicted.” The Hollywood Reporter: http://bit.ly/24G17Gv
Justice for Flint Benefit Show Raises $156,000 for Water Crisis Relief: http://bit.ly/1nih7fJ via MLive
“Performing for a city poisoned by its own state government, a group of stars provided necessary Academy Awards counter programming” MTV: http://on.mtv.com/1R5BUBa
Why Ava DuVernay and Ryan Coogler Went to Flint Instead of the Oscars: http://bit.ly/1Sxqky5
“‘Flint didn’t exist in a vacuum before this happened, before its local and state government decided to systemically poison them. Flint has been a hotbed for racial injustice for decades: from mass incarceration, to school inequity, to really inalienated immigrant community, to unprecedented rates of unemployment,’ Jesse Williams said.” The Guardian: http://bit.ly/1XaqCKk
Ryan Coogler, Ava DuVernay Raise Over $100,000 For Flint Water Crisis: http://bit.ly/1p0Tmdw via Revolt TV
“Monáe and others delivered the kinds of performances that have made them stars, but what got my attention were the faces of the people of Flint, shining in the settling darkness as they listened. I saw eyes glistening with unshed tears and arms upraised to the heavens, emotions tugging at the edges of lips set hard against the grim. I saw hope in faces furrowed with anger and pain, and I heard the sound of huge hearts breaking in compassion for their terrible plight. These artists didn’t come to Flint so their egos could be served. They raised their voices so that the people of Flint could be heard and, one by one, ordinary people took the stage to bear powerful witness to what had happened to them. To what is still happening to them” Salon: http://bit.ly/21jyryq
Our #JusticeForFlint Event on Sunday Raised Over $150,000 for the People of Flint Affected by the Flint Water Crisis. Although Our Event is Over, the Fight for Justice and Democracy in Flint Has Just Begun. To Support Our Brothers and Sisters in Flint, Please Donate Today: rev.ms/Flint. Check Out All the Highlights and Unforgettable Moments from Our Event That Featured Live Musical Performances by Stevie Wonder, Janelle Monáe, Ledisi, Musiq Soulchild, Robert Glasper, Royce Da 5'9, Vic Mensa and Many More:
I Went to Flint, Drank the Water, and Saw the Future of Civil Rights: http://nym.ag/1RvJO1d via NY Mag
Ryan Coogler, Ava DuVernay Raise Over $100,000 For Flint Water Crisis: http://bit.ly/1p0Tmdw via Revolt TV
Best Moments Live From #JusticeForFlint Event on Social Media: http://bit.ly/1SlqOHn
Join Janelle Monáe, Ava DuVernay, Ledisi, Musiq Soulchild, Robert Glasper, Jesse Williams, Jasiri X, Ryan Coogler, Royce Da 5'9, Hannibal Buress and Many More in #Flint at Our Free #JusticeForFlint Event This Sunday! To RSVP for Free, CLICK Here → http://bit.ly/24nzv8Y!For More on Our Event, Check Out the Articles Below:
There Will Be A Star-Studded Free Event For Flint On Oscars Night: http://bzfd.it/20TsBn9
Ava DuVernay, Hannibal Buress, Ryan Coogler to Headline Free Event for Flint, Michigan: http://bit.ly/1oFuvfD via Entertainment Weekly
Ryan Coogler to Host Free Event for Flint Water Crisis Victims on Same Night as Oscars: http://bit.ly/21dtoFa via Complex
Celebrities Organize #JusticeForFlint Event on the Same Night of the Oscars: http://bit.ly/1T50z9m via Blavity
Take a Moment to Read the Insightful Articles Below on the Flint Water Crisis to Learn More About the Situation:
“Since the city’s emergency managers decided to draw Flint’s water from the highly corrosive local river, this small city of 100,000 people – just 70 miles from Michigan’s great lakes, the world’s largest freshwater source – has suffered alone, let down by local, state and federal officials and almost entirely ignored by the rest of America.” The Guardian: http://bit.ly/1Tz1GxH
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder’s successive emergency managers are now gone from Flint, but the wreckage of their rule there still pollutes many homes. The crisis in Flint is, on the surface, about water. The Flint debacle also is about democracy.” Democracy Now: http://bit.ly/1Q6gdLt
“Environmental racism is an issue of political power: Polluters and waste sites are placed where politicians expect little or no political backlash.” The Nation: http://bit.ly/1V3R2wL
“What we have here is a horrific clash of race, class, politics and public health.” The New York Daily News: http://nydn.us/1SIrHL7
“First Flint’s auto manufacturing benefactor began cutting jobs. Then white flight pulled people into the suburbs. Residents of Michigan began agitating over taxes and ushered in laws that kneecapped the city’s finances. All of it set the stage for a massive public health disaster that has touched nearly everyone in the city.” Think Progress: http://bit.ly/20LtFyF
We Fear the Water: Residents Struggle to Cope with Flint Water Crisis: http://bit.ly/1oCERwL
“You know how many babies here is affected now man, for the rest of their lives? And to my understanding and my little research it’s irreversible once you get lead poison in the brain. It’s nothing you can do about it. And it’s like giving a whale a tic tac for bad breath man, giving us a case a water a day. How we supposed to bathe, man? I got a wife, and I got a daughter here. I need way more than one case of water now. The people in charge need to take responsibility for what they’ve done to this city, man! People out here are mad as hell man, and I’m one of ‘em.” Flint Resident Alvon Leighton in National Geographic: http://bit.ly/1PNL6YC
Together, We Have the Power to Make Our Voices Heard. Join Janelle Monáe, Ava DuVernay, Ledisi, Musiq Soulchild, Robert Glasper, Jesse Williams, Jasiri X, Ryan Coogler, Royce Da 5'9, Hannibal Buress and Many More in #Flint at Our Free #JusticeForFlint Event This Sunday! To RSVP for Free, CLICK Here → http://bit.ly/24nzv8Y! Tune In to the Live Stream of the Event Exclusively on Revolt.TV Starting at 5 PM EST. Support the Local Communities in Flint and Donate by Texting JUSTICE to 83224. For More on Our Event, Check Out the Articles Below:
There Will Be A Star-Studded Free Event For Flint On Oscars Night: http://bzfd.it/20TsBn9
Ava DuVernay, Hannibal Buress, Ryan Coogler to Headline Free Event for Flint, Michigan: http://bit.ly/1oFuvfD via Entertainment Weekly
Ryan Coogler to Host Free Event for Flint Water Crisis Victims on Same Night as Oscars: http://bit.ly/21dtoFa via Complex
Celebrities Organize #JusticeForFlint Event on the Same Night of the Oscars: http://bit.ly/1T50z9m via Blavity
Take a Moment to Read the Insightful Articles Below on the Flint Water Crisis to Learn More About the Situation:
“Since the city’s emergency managers decided to draw Flint’s water from the highly corrosive local river, this small city of 100,000 people – just 70 miles from Michigan’s great lakes, the world’s largest freshwater source – has suffered alone, let down by local, state and federal officials and almost entirely ignored by the rest of America.” The Guardian: http://bit.ly/1Tz1GxH
“Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder’s successive emergency managers are now gone from Flint, but the wreckage of their rule there still pollutes many homes. The crisis in Flint is, on the surface, about water. The Flint debacle also is about democracy.” Democracy Now: http://bit.ly/1Q6gdLt
“Environmental racism is an issue of political power: Polluters and waste sites are placed where politicians expect little or no political backlash.” The Nation: http://bit.ly/1V3R2wL
“What we have here is a horrific clash of race, class, politics and public health.” The New York Daily News: http://nydn.us/1SIrHL7
“First Flint’s auto manufacturing benefactor began cutting jobs. Then white flight pulled people into the suburbs. Residents of Michigan began agitating over taxes and ushered in laws that kneecapped the city’s finances. All of it set the stage for a massive public health disaster that has touched nearly everyone in the city.” Think Progress: http://bit.ly/20LtFyF
We Fear the Water: Residents Struggle to Cope with Flint Water Crisis: http://bit.ly/1oCERwL
“You know how many babies here is affected now man, for the rest of their lives? And to my understanding and my little research it’s irreversible once you get lead poison in the brain. It’s nothing you can do about it. And it’s like giving a whale a tic tac for bad breath man, giving us a case a water a day. How we supposed to bathe, man? I got a wife, and I got a daughter here. I need way more than one case of water now. The people in charge need to take responsibility for what they’ve done to this city, man! People out here are mad as hell man, and I’m one of ‘em.” Flint Resident Alvon Leighton in National Geographic: http://bit.ly/1PNL6YC
