Video: Flint and Environmental Racism

Environmental racism is a massive topic — and I’m only skimming the surface in this video. But the biggest thing I’ve taken away from the Flint water crisis is the power of activism. The citizens of Flint stood up and were heard. It took way too long – but has captured the nations attention and breathed life back into serious issues. Lead poisoning, water quality, housing segregation, climate change, and racism are all interwoven parts of the challenge now facing the U.S. and the world. Fortunately, we can look to the citizens of Flint and the reaction and action from the the rest of the country as a sign of positive change – even though there is much still to be done.

Sources:

Michigan’s emergency manager law: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2011-2012/publicact/pdf/2011-PA-0004.pdf

History of Flint’s emergency managers:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_emergency_in_Michigan

Flint water switch: http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2014/04/closing_the_valve_on_history_f.html

How road salt and environmental racism caused a crisis in flint

http://www.autostraddle.com/how-road-salt-and-environmental-racism-caused-a-crisis-in-flint-324344/

General Motors shutting off Flint River water at engine plant over corrosion worries

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2014/10/general_motors_wont_use_flint.html

How the Flint River got so toxic

http://www.theverge.com/2016/2/26/11117022/flint-michigan-water-crisis-lead-pollution-history

Road Salt Contaminating Drinking Water, Urban Lakes