Tackling Injustice: Louisiana Parish's 46-Year Sacrifice of Black Neighborhoods to Protect White Communities from Toxic Industry

A federal appeals court in Louisiana has permitted three organizations representing Black residents to proceed with their civil rights lawsuit against St. James Parish. The Fifth Circuit Court identified substantial claims regarding discriminatory practices that favor white districts over primarily Black neighborhoods, which have suffered from harmful industrial developments. The plaintiffs, including Inclusive Louisiana and Mount Triumph Missionary Baptist Church, expressed concerns over health risks and historical injustices, as many community members suffer from cancer due to pollution. The case will return to the U.S. District Court for further legal arguments.