Solidarity forum held on 10-year mark of Flint Water Crisis

FLINT, Mich. (WNEM) - The fight continues in Flint 10 years after the city flipped a switch and made the Flint River its primary source of drinking water.

That decision, made by a state-appointed emergency manager, eventually caused the system to be contaminated with lead, leading to lawsuits and potential long-term health issues for everyone who consumed that water.

On Thursday, April 25, there was a solidarity forum with a purpose that went beyond marking the occasion.

The rally included advocates for clean drinking water, and they said what happened in Flint is fueling their mission for other communities.

“People of Flint are strong and they deserve better from their government,” said Pamela Pugh, the former chief public health advisor for Flint.

Flint residents and community members are still searching for justice 10 years after contaminated water poisoned the city. On Thursday, people from Detroit, Benton Harbor, Three Rivers, and Highland Park came to Flint for a forum on solidarity, sharing their similar journeys through crippling water issues.

Some residents like Lathan Jefferson said they understand that resolutions can take time, but they feel people in Flint deserve more than the $626 million settlement.

“Everybody’s been denied and it’s just other things that still need to be done,” Jefferson said.

In the decade since the start of the water crisis, residents have endured failed prosecutions and experienced extended waits for getting lead service lines replaced.

Reflecting on the crisis, Pugh said it’s unfortunate that residents are still fighting to have their voices heard.

“Ten years later, there are things still yet undone, like pipes that need to be replaced, interior home fixtures that need to be replaced. Lawsuits have not been resolved and that there were no criminal charges,” Pugh said.

Organizers said they intended the forum to reignite the movement to bring justice to Flint residents.

“We’re Flintstones. We fight. We don’t like injustice,” said Flint resident Claire McClinton.

She said she commends her hometown for its resiliency. She and the Democracy Defense League are promoting new laws that help protect access to water.

“We want legislation that makes it illegal for private companies to purchase the water or the water assets or the water rights of municipalities,” McClinton said.

Calling the situation an erosion of trust in the Flint government, Pugh said the work of people in Flint has helped lay the groundwork for safer water in other communities.

“We cannot let Flint be forgotten. Not here in this city, not in this state, not in our U.S. government,” she said.

On Friday, there will be a vigil and testimonies to honor those lost who died because of the crisis. It will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at People’s Church in Flint.

Subscribe to the TV5 newsletter and receive the latest local news and weather straight to your email every day.