True Left

Watch TikToker Frederick Lewis break down the reality of environmental racism in 60 seconds.

Marianne Contrino
2 weeks ago
I teach in a predominantly black community, and one day, I had a student who just wasn't herself, so after class got out, I asked her what was wrong. She said that her family was going through a rough time, and didn't have any food in the house, so she, and her FIVE siblings had to share a can of potatoes for dinner the last two nights. I told her to meet me after school, and I'd take her home, so we could stop, and get some groceries on the way. Well, I had to get to my part time job, so I didn't have time to drive all the way to the nearest grocery store, which was about 20 minutes away. Our only option was a gas station, so I bought her bread, peanut butter, milk, juice, frozen pizza, cereal, etc. Basically whatever they sold that wasn't "junk". Cost me about $75 for just enough food to fill up two-three plastic bags. Said I'd go shopping, and get more for tomorrow. Talked to my parents that night about it, and they, without my knowing, went out, and bought groceries from the store, so I didn't have to. They spent roughly $130, and were able to get enough stuff to fill my trunk, and backseat. I say this because it's not only that these communities lack stores that's the problem, it's that the places that are close to their homes, ie. gas stations, corner stores, are SO MUCH more expensive than any supermarket chain. Meaning they get less "food" for their money, and never really have access to, say, fresh fruits, and veggies. This problem is VERY real, and ABSOLUTELY NEEDS to be addressed for the sake of the kids growing up in these neighborhoods. I hope this video spreads awareness about this inequitity.