The winter weather crisis that visibly debilitated Texas had severe negative impacts on Mississippi as well. Similar to Texas, Mississippi was unprepared for severe winter weather, both in infrastructure preparation and on an individual level. A boil water notice was only lifted on March 17th. As ice finally began to melt, water mains burst, leaving people vulnerable to flooding, and living without water.
Responding to the crisis, specifically in Jackson, was a grassroots effort, and Rukia Lumumba, one of the organizers spoke with KBOO's Jenka Soderberg. Lumumba says Jackson residents had to save themselves, with no support from the governor.
Lumumba is the executive director of the People's Advocacy Institute, and co-coordinator of the Electoral Justice Project.
- KBOO