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The ‘Blackest City in America’ Is the Embodiment of Environmental Injustice

Summary

Jackson, Mississippi, a city with a predominantly Black population, has become a symbol of environmental injustice due to its failing water infrastructure. Years of government neglect and state-level obstruction have left residents without reliable access to clean water. Recurring water crises, exacerbated by climate change, have resulted in hospital closures, virtual schooling, and routine boil-water notices. Despite bipartisan efforts to fund repairs, state officials—led by Governor Tate Reeves—have repeatedly blocked financial assistance, citing fairness concerns. The crisis has only drawn federal intervention in extreme cases, such as when President Biden declared a state of emergency in 2022. The situation underscores systemic racial and economic disparities, leaving Jackson’s residents to endure ongoing environmental and political neglect.

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