What is our relationship with water and how has this course affected it?
Before attending this class what was your idea of water ?
How would you describe your water security as a college student? Do you have an understanding of what factors take into account?
What steps do you believe one should take to prevent the reality of intense water restrictions?
Through the 1920s and 1930s, a number of new pools had been built across the country. Attention was draw by everyone, seeing how they appeared inclusive and fun. A new era had begun, but unfortunately the pools had not been as inclusive as some presumed.(6)
Wanting to partake in the trending activity, the Black community made numerous attempts to get into the pools. They had been turned away by legal enforcement, but often times they were met with a much more brutal approach. To some extent, laws in certain areas had either been opposed or in favor of the group but they were of no value to the people. Still the violence continued. Later the pools had been abandoned as a result of "white flight." More and more pools continued to be built privately so that some families were not bothered by the general public and more specifically, Black people.(6)
The swimming pools at the time were a reflection of the racial injustices happening at the time. Even now, the discrimination and abuse that took place affects the community. Statistics show that the number of Black people in America are less likely able to swim, with others showing the increased chances of them drowning. It was a period where the relationship with water continued to worsen, and evaluations show that relationship never healed over time.
Jackson is the largest city in Mississippi. It is also a redlined city, meaning they face discriminatory services based on ethnicity. For months Jackson residents have been going through a water crisis. In August of 2022 the Pearl River flooded due to storms(4) There was a lack of water pressure and people experienced brown water coming from their faucets. This caused the largest water treatment facility; the O. B. Curtis Water Treatment Plant, to stop the treatment of drinking water due to the damages made.(4)
Although water pressure has been restored, the city still lacks clean water. Residents are still under a boil water notice. There are over 150,000 residents without access to safe drinking water(4). Jackson is a predominantly black city, with the number of African Americans residing in the location being 82%, leading to this long lasting neglect to be racial discrimination(4). Governor Tate Reeves issued a sate of emergency in order to receive federal assistance with the water crisis.