Avoiding the tap water in
Jackson, Mississippi, has been a way of life for decades
As a Photojournalist, I was assigned the task of uncovering the untold stories of the water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi. I traveled to the affected area and sought out the experiences of those impacted by the crisis. I aimed to bring dignity to each subject and shed light on the issues through my photojournalism. I utilized my skills in storytelling, field reporting, on-location shooting, ethical considerations, and post-production editing to do so. In all my work, I aim to convey breaking news and stories with sensitivity and respect.
Danyelle Holmes, an activist with Mississippi's Poor People Campaign, stands for a portrait at the Westland Plaza Parking Lot
as she helps distribute water in Jackson. - Leslie Gamboni for NPR
Kevin Edwards delivers free water to residents from a repurposed school bus at the Westland Plaza Parking Lot in Jackson, Mississippi, on September 2, 2022. Community organizations are distributing free bottled water in Jackson, Mississippi, in response to system-wide water system failures that have left citizens with no safe drinking water.
Michael Howard stands outside of his home with cases of water bottles provided by the Salvation Army in Jackson, Mississippi, on September 1, 2022. Water in Jackson, Mississippi, is unsafe for consumption due to city-wide water system failures.
Approach: Covering the water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi, through photojournalism.
Situation: The residents of Jackson, Mississippi, were facing a water crisis, with many struggling to access clean and safe water.
Challenge: To bring attention to the water crisis in Jackson and shed light on the stories and experiences of the people affected, in a respectful and dignified way.
My role: As a photojournalist, I traveled to Jackson to cover the water crisis and find the stories that the national news was not covering. I conducted field reporting, on-location shooting, and post-production editing to produce a photo essay that captured the experiences of the people affected by the crisis. I approached each subject with sensitivity and respect, striving to bring dignity to the people of Jackson, Mississippi and shine a light on the issues at hand.
Insight: Through my lens, I aimed to bring a human perspective to the water crisis in Jackson and show the world the resilience and determination of the people affected by it. I believe that visual storytelling has the power to bring attention to important issues and inspire change, and I was committed to using my skills to do just that.
Skills utilized: Photojournalism, videography, storytelling, field reporting, on-location shooting, ethical considerations and post-production editing.
Andrew Jennings, a Salvation Army employee, loads cases of water bottles onto a truck for distribution in Jackson, Mississippi, on September 1, 2022. Water in Jackson, Mississippi, is unsafe for consumption due to city-wide water systems failure.
Dorthy Young sits in her home after receiving a delivery of water bottles provided by the Salvation Army in Jackson, Mississippi, on September 1, 2022. Water in Jackson, Mississippi, is unsafe for consumption due to city-wide water systems failure. Dorthy Young, who is bed-bound, relies on family, friends, and neighbors for access to safe drinking water.
Andrew Jennings, a Salvation Army employee, signals a truck filled with water for distribution into the parking lot of an apartment complex in Jackson, Mississippi, on September 1, 2022. Water in Jackson, Mississippi, is unsafe for consumption due to city-wide water system failures.
Richard Marshall carries a case of water bottles distributed by the Salvation Army to leave at his neighbors doors in Jackson, Mississippi, on September 1, 2022. Water in Jackson, Mississippi, is unsafe for consumption due to city-wide water system failures.