Local Activist Faces Off Against Infrastructure Crisis: Carletta Davis Runs for Mayor of Prichard
Prichard, AL — Carletta Davis, an environmental justice leader, is stepping into the political arena, running for mayor of Prichard amid a significant public health crisis stemming from the city’s failing water and sewage systems.
Davis gained national attention at the Biden administration’s environmental justice summit in July 2024, where hopes flourished for essential federal support, especially after securing a $500,000 grant for her community. However, her optimism faded when the new administration dismantled the Office of Environmental Justice, stifling vital funding opportunities.
Prichard, predominantly Black with a history of systemic neglect, faces a looming catastrophe due to a deteriorating water system. Recent reports revealed over 4.5 million gallons of raw sewage spilled in just one weekend. Many residents, grappling with elevated cancer risks, fear the water flowing from their taps.
After years of advocacy sparked by a nearby chemical leak that poisoned her community, Davis formed her own organization, the We Matter Eight Mile Community Association, to address such issues. With the upcoming mayoral election set for August 26, she’s determined to pivot from federal to local leadership to tackle these challenges head-on.
Davis is the only candidate with a strong background in environmental justice, aiming to bring transparency and sustainability to the city’s management of water resources. Her campaign focuses on potential solutions while combating the negative impacts of mismanagement and environmental inequities faced by communities of color.
As she canvasses door-to-door, Davis emphasizes her commitment to securing clean, affordable water for her constituents, envisioning a Prichard where children can thrive and safely enjoy their environment. “This is just unacceptable,” she argues, insisting on accountability and positive change for her community’s future.
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