“Black Families in Memphis Are Fighting to Save Their Land From a Pipeline” — Vice News, 2021, 11:49 — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pNGKFAh5Mo

This video is an excellent case study of environmental racism, a concept describing how polluting infrastructure is often disproportionately placed in communities of color. Perhaps the most powerful image in this video is found at 2:02… It shows how the route of a proposed oil pipeline was made longer so it would not run through wealthier (likely whiter) communities. Instead of an easier and shorter direct route, the planners proposed a more complex route that runs through several historically Black communities. This decision will only increase the pollution-related health inequalities that are a hallmark of environmental racism. Indeed, polluting industries in this area of Memphis have a history of harming the health of local inhabitants. This video also shows us how these communities are mobilizing to resist the pipeline. Thankfully the local council acted against the pipeline, though the resulting dispute is likely to last for years.

How might environmental racism be evident in your area? What can be done to ensure the impacts of industry are equitable, both in terms of the benefits and consequences?

From the video’s description: The people of South Memphis stand to lose the land that their families have lived on for centuries to a new pipeline. The Byhalia Connection is set to be built above the Memphis aquifer and to snake through historically Black neighborhoods. VICE News Tonight goes to South Memphis to meet the people fighting for their future.