So what have Mississippi's leaders been up to for the past few years instead of putting their time and attention toward repairing critical water infrastructure?

They illegally squandered tens of millions of dollars designated for the poor on luxury cars, sporting events, and cell phones. They also spent months pushing legislation that purports to stop "critical race theory," but really stops teachers from educating students on the full history of our country. And they fought tooth and nail to prevent women from exercising their right to choose in the landmark case that overturned Roe v. Wade this year at the Supreme Court. With all of that top of mind, of course, they didn't have time to ensure residents received a necessity as basic as water.

To be clear, this is part of a national pattern of purposeful neglect of Black communities.

Salon.com