“From the state with 84 percent of the US fresh water but none for its residents to drink, I am Miss Michigan” — Emily Sioma, Miss America contestant
This week, Emily Sioma, Miss Michigan, was widely applauded for highlighting the issue of lack of access to safe and clean drinking water for Michiganders. Looking closely at the Flint Water Crisis and other contaminated drinking crises in the Midwest and around the country, we find deep issues of inequity — communities of color and low-income communities disproportionately lack access to safe and clean water.¹ ² ³