Families pack local church to share experiences, honor those affected in Flint Water Crisis

FLINT, Mich. (WNEM) - The Flint community continues to commemorate the water crisis 10 years later. Friday, families packed Flint’s People’s Church to share their experiences and honor those affected by the tainted water.

Claudia Perkins, member of the Democracy Defense League, says the group is using events to help bring awareness to ongoing issues residents are still experiencing.

“We’ve endured many things from hair loss, to rashes, to deaths, legionnaires disease,” Perkins said.

The Church also held a healing ceremony, giving those still reeling from the loses of the water crisis, a chance to regain strength.

Many people in attendance voicing their disappointment that resolutions for the problem have taken as long as it has.

Perkins said the work is far from over.

“It’s not over, the pipes have not been fixed,” Perkins said. “We’re still suffering. I go to Sam’s and buy 10 cases of water at a time.”

Voicing the want for justice, upset the criminal charges failed against city leadership responsible for decision of switching the water source.

Perkins says reigniting the fight in the Flint community is just the start in the organization’s plans, as they’re hoping to get legislation changed regarding water affordability, Medicaid for all affected and removing the Emergency Manager law.

“That’s what we demand, justice, first and foremost,” Perkins explained. “And shame on the ones who poisoned us and got away with murder. Because that’s what they did and I’m not happy about that.”

About 80 people gathered there Thursday before starting a march for justice to Flint City Hall.