Rally On Newark Water Crisis: 'Give Kids A Voice,' Activists Say

NEWARK, NJ — Sure, you’ve heard adults’ voices when it comes to Newark’s lead water contamination crisis. But what about some of the most vulnerable residents in the city: its children?

Recently, a coalition of activist groups came together for a rally at Lincoln Park: Warrior4ThPpl, Civic Worx, Newark Water Coalition, and Newark Education Workers (NEW) Caucus.

During the Oct. 20 rally, activists such as Shakima Thomas, an organizer with Our Kids Rise Against the Lead Crisis, said they were trying to “put a face” on the issue.

“We haven’t heard the voices of the most vulnerable and very important people impacted by this public health crisis,” Thomas said. “It’s necessary for us to give our kids a voice. We need to back them up and fight for their future.”

While the city has already begun the process of replacing 18,000 lead service lines – the suspected cause of the contamination – and recently sped up the timeline from years to months, it’s not moving fast enough for Thomas and other organizers.

“There has been lots of rhetoric floating around and calls to action, but most of the efforts are stalling,” Thomas said. “This is why we’re rallying on behalf of the children, our most vital resource.”

Catch up on some recent stories about the city’s lead water crisis below.

No More Bottled Water In Newark, Except For Most Vulnerable

Newark officials are ending their free bottled water program. Authorities say filters are working to protect residents from lead.

Newark Clean Water Activists Keep Pressure On Elected Officials

Never underestimate the power of a group of people who want to create change, a coalition of Newark activists say.

Worry, Relief In Newark As City Replaces Pipes (VIDEO)

Newark is replacing thousands of pipes to help battle a lead water contamination crisis.

Newark Divided Over City's Response To Water Crisis

Several protesters were kicked out of a public "State of the Water" town hall in Newark. Here's what they – and the cops – had to say.

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