Willy Blackmore, Author at Word In Black

Climate Justice

Could Climate Change Lead to Sweet Potato Pie Supremacy?

by Willy Blackmore September 3, 2026September 2, 2026

It could happen!

From Memphis to Bessemer, public permit records and hearings have helped Black communities discover what enormous data centers could mean for their air — and organize to fight back. Now the EPA is considering making that public participation optional.

Climate Justice

The EPA Could Make It Harder to Fight Polluting Data Centers

by Willy Blackmore September 1, 2026September 2, 2026

Elon Musk’s massive AI infrastructure buildout has transformed South Memphis with little regulation and plenty of controversy. Now, after learning about his latest project after the fact, Black city leaders want time to establish some ground rules.

Climate Justice

Memphis Wants to Hit Pause on Musk’s Data Center Boom

by Willy Blackmore August 25, 2026August 25, 2026

The AI data-center boom has repeatedly brought pollution and infrastructure fights to Black communities. In Covington, Georgia, residents say the latest project went a step further: turbines and generators arrived — and some began operating — before regulators gave their approval.

Climate Justice

AI’s Data Center Boom Keeps Finding Black Communities

by Willy Blackmore August 21, 2026August 21, 2026

As data centers consume more electricity, critics warn that extending the life of aging coal plants like the Stanton Energy Center in Orlando shifts the health costs of AI onto communities already burdened by pollution.

Environmental Justice

Amid AI Boom, Coal Returns — With a Familiar Cost

by Willy Blackmore July 28, 2026July 28, 2026

Environmental advocates say Bessemer officials placed developers above residents by accepting strict secrecy terms surrounding a controversial hyperscale data center.

Climate Justice

Data Center Deal Put Bessemer’s Public in the Dark

by Willy Blackmore July 24, 2026July 31, 2026

The EPA says delaying tougher diesel standards will save truckers billions. But public health advocates say the greatest costs may be borne by Black communities living near freight corridors and busy highways.

Environmental Justice

EPA Rollback Could Bring Dirtier Air to Black Communities

by Willy Blackmore July 18, 2026July 18, 2026

A delivery worker pulls a cart in New York City on June 24, 2025. A potentially life-threatening heat wave enveloped the eastern third of the United States on June 23 impacting nearly 160 million people, with temperatures this week expected to reach 102 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius) in the New York metropolitan area. Dangerously high temperatures are forecast through midweek in Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City and Boston.

Climate Justice

Extreme Heat Is Not an Equal-Opportunity Killer

by Willy Blackmore July 2, 2026July 2, 2026

The Justice Department says only the federal government can enforce the Clean Air Act, backing Elon Musk's xAI against an NAACP lawsuit over pollution affecting Black communities.

Climate Justice

DOJ Defends xAI in Lawsuit Over Memphis Power Plant

by Willy Blackmore July 1, 2026July 1, 2026

A new Los Angeles County dashboard offers a clearer look at the health impacts of extreme heat. Public health experts say the data could expose how heat disproportionately affects Black communities and how many heat-related deaths may be going uncounted.

Criminal Justice

New Website Reveals a Deadly Truth for Black L.A. Communities

by Willy Blackmore June 18, 2026June 18, 2026