It’s a case that underscores the significant compensation available when environmental negligence harms underserved communities. Ben Crump, founder and president of Ben Crump Law PLLC, negotiated a historic $626 million settlement against the state of Michigan for the lead-contaminated water that went to mostly African American homes in the city of Flint, Michigan.
Crump has devoted his career to advocating for justice for those in our society who cannot speak for themselves and to holding those who do us harm accountable for their actions. As a 2022 XCEL Summit Award Honoree, he spoke about why environmental racism is prevalent in Black communities, and why each of us needs to do something when we see it.
For Crump, living in a healthy neighborhood is a fundamental right. Still, far too many low-income and predominantly communities of color are harmed by large corporations
that pollute our groundwater and air. And the effects are widespread, ranging from asthma and cancer to premature death. But he says we can take action. In this video excerpt from his XCEL Summit main-stage discussion with 2024 XCEL Summit Award Honoree and moderator Ed Gordon, president of Ed Gordon Media, Crump challenges the audience to hold big corporate violators accountable. Take a look.RELATED CONTENT: Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump’s Documentary, ‘Civil,’ To Hit Netflix On Juneteenth