More and more stories are breaking about the prevalence of toxins and harmful chemicals in the water or air consumed by poor people and people of color. Just a few weeks ago, I was on the phone with a national NAACP leader who described a scenario in Tennessee, her home state.

“Monique,” she said, “The water is polluted in Dixon. The officials warned the White residents, but they didn’t say anything to the Black ones, and now people are getting sick. Sometimes we have a hard time sharing with you just how much race is still a factor for us…”

She didn’t have to explain at all, really. Being from the Bay Area–where toxins pollute the Bayview/Hunters Point area of San Francisco and petrochemical plants poison the air of thousands of children in the East Bay–I know all too well the environmental justice issues that plague our communities.

Still, in Dixon, TN, where the Holt family drank water contaminated by the Dixon County Landfill for 12 years, the situation is dire. The family is sick and in need of a strong community voice not only against the injustices of environmental oppression, but also the opportunity to promote sustainable communities through “green” strategies and a ban on dumping. A “Justice for Dixon” rally is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, 2009 to help raise awareness about the prevalence of the injustice against families like the Holts, who continue to live in unsafe–even toxic–environments, not abroad, but right here in America.

For more information on “Justice for Dixon” contact Pastor Jerry Jerkins (Tennessee Missionary Baptists Convention) at info@jerryjerkinsministries.com or Jimmie Garland (Tennessee NAACP State Office) jimmie.garland@hotmail.com.

Resources

“Poisoned Water, Government Response, and Race”

“Dickson County, TN – Toxic Terror in a Tennessee Town”

The other day, I looked at my seven-year-old (seven and three-quarters, she tells me) and her face was beaming. It was a goofy glow that could only mean one thing–her favorite boy band must be on her mind. And they were. On the television were the Jonas Brothers, all three handsome and entertaining boys rocking their way into another little girl’s heart. My daughter’s grin was wide and genuine, kinda like the one I used to wear whenever Ralph Tresvant’s face appeared on an issue of Right On! Magazine…which led me to wonder, where’s my daughter’s “New Edition”? Where is their “Jackson Five”?

Nothing against the Jonas Brothers, I actually like them (especially Nick, who I think is really talented). But if entertainment is subjective, and truly about choice, then why aren’t there wholesome images of talented African American boys charming their way into the hearts of the American public? Honestly, sometimes I wonder if I’m more troubled by the music industry and its lack of diversity (particularly of thought, but of other variables as well), or by the cycle of racial bias that has stereotyped/criminalized what could have been my daughter’s “New Edition” into nonexistence.

I know there’s time; so I’ll be patient. And in the meantime, I’ll keep dancing to “My Secret” with my two little girls and laugh when they sing along with Ricky’s “Ooohs” or giggle when Ralph teases, “You’ve got three guesses…”

Again, music is about diversity, even for youth, so bring back the soul! We’re restless without it.

Copyright 2009 Monique W. Morris