Here are a few key points about racism in Cancer Alley:
- Cancer Alley refers to an 85-mile stretch along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans that has a high concentration of oil refineries and petrochemical plants.
- The communities living near these industrial plants are predominantly Black, poor, and politically disenfranchised. Environmental regulators have historically been lenient with pollution standards in these neighborhoods.
- Studies have found higher rates of cancers and other health issues in Cancer Alley communities compared to elsewhere in Louisiana. However, these health impacts have been downplayed or ignored by officials for decades.
- Environmental racism refers to the intentional siting of polluting facilities in communities of color