





































Education, Language and Sociology Research 

ISSN 2690-3644 (Print) ISSN 2690-3652 (Online) 

Vol. 6, No. 4, 2025 

www.scholink.org/ojs/index.php/elsr 

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Original Paper 

Cry Me A Dirty River: Environmental Ethics, Water Inequity, 

Politics, and the Poisoning of Our Aquatic Ecosystems 

Earnest N. Bracey, Ph.D., DPA1* 

1 Social Sciences Department, College of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA 

* Earnest N. Bracey, Email: earnest.bracey@csn.edu 

 

Received: August 10, 2025    Accepted: August 26, 2025     Online Published: September 11, 2025 

doi:10.22158/elsr.v6n4p1      URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.22158/elsr.v6n4p1 

 

Abstract 

From the outset, we (humans) must never ignore that the pollution of aquatic ecosystems is worse than 

we can imagine — worldwide — mainly because of greedy, political, and powerful corporate entities. 

Contrary to say about the obvious: We are not really the masters of our environments, because humans 

continue to contaminate and take from the earth without giving anything back. Meanwhile, we pollute 

many respective locations, particularly our oceans, rivers, lakes, and streams without giving it a second 

thought. Or so it seems. Of course, water is life and humans should not take this reality for granted. 

Moreover, we must keep in mind that there is also water inequity in minority communities across the 

planet. Therefore, the backlash toward polluters should be furious, because polluting our waters and 

aquatic ecosystems on a continuous basis — or year in and year out — will definitely have far-reaching, 

negative consequences. Unfortunately, efforts to prevent, protect, and/or clean-up our waters through 

government regulations have been undermined by conservative politicians, who are mostly in alliance 

with corporate/industrial polluters. It should be finally clear to most humans that we are not wrong to 

want to protect our aquatic ecosystems, as advocated by environmentalists. In the final analysis, it should 

be understood that it might not be such a daunting task to clean-up our different environments, 

particularly since we now recognize some of the pollution problems.  

Keywords 

pollution, aquatic ecosystems, toxic water, contamination, lead poisoning, forever chemicals, 

microplastics, PFAS 

 

1. Introduction: Toxic Water and the Harm of Pollution  

It is mind blogging that many humans don’t fully understand what we are doing to pollute our pristine 

waters across the planet. Of course, recognizing and addressing this serious environmental problem 



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(which is an environmental apocalypse of sort) can help to repair the damage done by mostly polluting 

corporations. We must also be ebullient and consistent when it comes to discussing what we should do 

to alleviate our water crisis, even in our own backyards, so to speak. And although “Life depends on 

water for virtually every [biological] process” (“water,” 2000, p. 1725) (Note 1) — that is, concerning 

human existence, it is being threatened by the pollution of mankind or negative environmental forces. 

This point is important to understand, because water is “one of the most abundant compounds.” Indeed, 

“water covers about 75% of the earth’s surface” (“water,” 2000, p. 1725) (Note 2), and to say the least, 

“Water is so familiar and important it is easy to take it for granted” (Challoner, 2021, p. vii) (Note 3). 

Equally important, “Fresh clean water is essential to human survival, and the threats to it are multiple.” 

For example, what exactly should we say about “the global warming effect, pollution from pesticides, 

fertilizers, raw sewage, and industrial wastes,” which often “wash into rivers, lakes, and oceans 

everywhere in the world, contaminating [precious] water needed for human consumption and agriculture 

and [sadly] killing sea life” (Edwards & Lippucci, 1998, p. 743) (Note 4)? Unfortunately, some humans 

just don’t understand the important role that we should play in protecting our waters. And whether we 

want to believe it or not, we have an obligation to warn the public about our critical water situation. To 

say the least, we are at an ecological crossroad; hence, humans must be cognizant of our water problems 

to ensure that respective governments can provide the necessary regulations and policies to protect our 

aquatic ecosystems. Alternatively, we must keep this water issue in perspective, considering what is 

essential to all human lives. Of course, this environmental issue should be above politics, but it is not. 

Broadly speaking, for humans, our self-preservation instincts, worldwide, haven’t kicked in — that is, 

when it comes to protecting and cleaning-up our waters. 

Additionally, we must also hear the voices of those who are negatively affected or suffer the hardships 

and worrisome discomforts of having polluted waters. Back in 1998, for example, it was reported that, 

“a child dies from a disease transmitted by polluted waters somewhere in the world every two seconds 

— [or] over 12 million a year, mostly in less developed countries” (Edwards & Lippucci, 1998, p. 743). 

Ecologically speaking, we still have a dirty water issue in our world today. So, how can humans see the 

big picture when it comes to our polluted waters? Perhaps many believe that nothing is as it appears, as 

our politicians play lip service when it comes to water pollution, assuming that water is just “an ordinary 

liquid. But in fact, it is a liquid like no other liquid — it has a unique set of properties” (Challoner, 2021, 

p. viii) (Note 5), which shouldn’t be taken for granted. Also, we cannot forget or ignore that poisoning 

our aquatic ecosystems can have other unintended, negative consequences, like hurting our general well-

being and overall health. More importantly, we have to worry about the odds, particularly when it comes 

to certain human interventions. To be sure, “Vulnerable populations” in the world today “including 

people with low income, communities of color, seniors, children, the unhoused [or homeless] and those 

with preexisting health conditions — face disproportionate exposure to poor [water and] air quality and 

[other] climate-related hazards” (“Ending EPA’s,” 2025, p. 7) (Note 6). In addition, humans everywhere 

must seriously worry about the contamination of our waters, including large lakes, creeks, and rivers. 



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Furthermore, “Pollutions of the oceans from land-based [polluting] sources… is also occurring” (Mingst 

& McKibben, 2021, p. 416) (Note 7), which is especially concerning. In this respect, water pollution, no 

doubt, is causing ongoing, irreparable harm to our planet. Additionally, what is happening is also an 

existential challenge and threat that we are sadly facing, moving into an unknown future. 

 

2. Aquatic Ecosystems and Environmental Contamination 

There is no question that we need to do something about our worldwide water pollution problems, or risk 

further damage to our aquatic ecosystems. By way of a definition, incipient water pollution is “when 

[toxic] substances are released into a body of water, where they become dissolved or suspended in the 

water or deposited on the bottom, accumulating to the extent that they overwhelm its capacity to absorb, 

break down, or recycle them, thus interfering with the functioning of aquatic ecosystems” (“Water 

Pollution,” 2000, pp. 1726-1727) (Note 8). In an ecological context, it should be pointed out that dumping 

hazardous substances in our water ecosystems (continuously) is a recipe for environmental disaster. 

Therefore, we must consider what is important when it comes to water pollution and the long-term, 

negative effects that will have on our wet or marine environments. Meaning, all humans are at significant 

risks when they use or drink water that is contaminated with different kinds of pollutants. And prolong 

use of such water can be deadly. Aside from concerns about the poisoning of our water systems, we must 

be hypervigilant about what polluting corporations and oil companies, are doing with their businesses to 

further pollute our fragile waters. Fortunately, “the disposal of hazardous substances is a source of 

environmental concern in many countries” (“Hazardous Substances,” 1994, p. 515) (Note 9), as it should 

be. But their actions haven’t been enough. Indeed, there is no justification for the pollution of our waters 

by different, dirty, industrial corporations. Accordingly, “In urban centers throughout the world, where 

most of the world’s people now live, concentrations of carbon monoxide, nitrogen, sulfur oxides, ozones, 

and various [other] toxic chemicals such as lead and benzene have risen to dangerous levels” (Edwards 

& Lippucci, 1998, p. 743) (Note 10), while making lakes, or reservoirs poisoned and unusable. 

If we sit back and do nothing to sound the alarm about our polluted waters, perhaps more damage to our 

aquatic ecosystems (and environment) is likely to occur. In this respect, we (humans) must try to heal 

our world of lead-toxins, particularly in terms of having safe drinking water to consume. To be sure, we 

must wake-up to the realities of our (environmental) water pollution, like with lead poisoning, which is 

“A disease acquired by swallowing or inhaling lead, which is deposited in [the] bones” of humans. Also, 

consuming lead, which is a white chemical element, can cause “abdominal colic, anemia, and mental 

confusion,” as well as other health ailments. In addition, there is solid evidence “which suggests that 

lesser degrees of poisoning (eg from lead in the atmosphere, from car exhaust fumes, or in [our] water 

supplies) impair brain development in children and [result in] lower IQ[s]” (“Lead,” 1994, p. 638) (Note 

11). In this regard, we must become better informed about what is really going on with the pollution of 

lead in our drinking water systems. Too often, people ignore the deadly consequences of drinking lead-



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tainted water. According to professor of computer science at the University of Illinois Urbana-

Champaign, Sheldon Jacobson (2024): 

Most of the water we consume is obtained from surface or groundwater systems. 

Surface water includes lakes and rivers, while groundwater is obtained from 

underground reservoirs…. Yet once water leaves such systems, it passes through a 

network of pipes that allow people to turn on their faucets. Unfortunately, aging water 

systems may expose treated water to lead, a known health risks, especially to [minority] 

children (p. 3) (Note 12). 

The common myth from conservative naysayers is that there is no real problems with our aging water 

infrastructures across the United States. But nothing can be further from the truth. Generally, in mobile 

home parks throughout America, for example, “the clean water coming in [homes] can become 

contaminated if it passes through problematic infrastructure[s] before reaching residents’ [water] taps.” 

We must ask why? There is a dangerous ecological risk with the water, in such places, because “the EPA 

doesn’t generally require this water to be tested and regulated;” hence, “the [lead] problems may go 

unseen” (Phillis, Loller & Wilderman, 2025, p. 8A) (Note 13), or ignored. Unfortunately, “the Safe 

Drinking Water Act” is being (routinely) violated by our (conservative) federal government, because 

polluting companies are not being properly penalized or punished. So, where exactly is the due diligence 

and accountability? No doubt, we should also express concerns about the possible, negative 

environmental consequences of polluting our waters — and other aquatic ecosystem disruptions. Similar 

concerns should also be about protecting our fragile water systems where lead pipes exist. As journalist 

Michel Phillis et al. tell us: “In a Michigan [trailer] park, the [water] taps often [run] dry and the water 

[resemble] tea; in Iowa, it [the water] look[s] like coffee — scaring residents off [from] drinking it and 

ruining laundry they [can] hardly afford to replace.” Finally, “In California, boxes of bottled water crowd 

[some] family’s kitchen over fears of arsenic in the [tap] water” (Phillis, Loller & Wilderman, 2025, p. 

8A) (Note 14). Discovering the contamination of lead is the key. And it seems like predominantly black 

and other people of color neighborhoods are negatively affected the most. 

 

3. Health and the Consequences of Lead Poisoning 

In other words, black communities feel paralyzed in many ways because they cannot stop the 

overwhelming onslaught of polluting businesses, corporations, and conservative state governments. To 

wit, blacks and other people of color live in some areas where tremendous health and pollution problems 

exist. Take for example, what happened in Flint, Michigan, when Republican Governor Rick Snyder was 

in office in 2014. As Reuters reported: 

Flint, a [predominantly black] city of some 100,000 people, was under control of a 

state-appointed emergency manager in 2014 when it switched its source of water from 

Detroit’s municipal system to the Flint River to save money. [This particular] move 

provoked a national controversy and prompted several lawsuits by parents who [said] 



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their children [were] showing dangerously high blood levels of lead (“Michigan: 

Governor,” 2016, p. A7) (Note 15). 

The lead poisoning that happened to the mostly black children was tragic and unforgivable, all things 

considered. The fate of the city is/was dramatized in the profound and insightful film, entitled, Flint, 

where Snyder and other government officials initially refused to acknowledge that they were responsible 

for the lead poisoning and contamination of the drinking water of the entire area. In essence, when the 

new source of water was “pumped though the aging [piping systems] network it exposed the lead tubes 

beneath, allowing the metal to leach into [the] drinking water” (“Poisoned Water,” 2016, p. 23) (Note 

16). It was a sad state of affairs; and the grim reality of things, which resulted “in a slew of devastating 

medical problems” for mostly the minority families living in Flint. Fortunately, the people fought back 

by banding together “to expose the wrongdoings committed” by the Snyder administration, “whose 

carelessness [and ignorance] caused irrevocable harm to the lives of Flint’s residents” (Beresford, 2017) 

(Note 17). To be certain, some people of Flint, Michigan, will die (later) because of the lead in the water. 

It is unfortunate, but more people will likely (or eventually) get sicker from consuming the lead-tainted, 

polluted waters of Flint, Michigan. As discussed, “Lead exposure has been linked to [serious health] 

problems, such as lowered IQ, brain damage, nerve disorders and [much] more” (Halaly, 2025, p. 1B) 

(Note 18). Unfortunately, “it is hard to say how many children under six have been” affected or poisoned 

by lead. To be sure, doctors at this time said that approximately “9,000 children… in the area [should] 

be considered at risk” (“Poisoned Water,” 2016, p. 23) (Note 19), or hurt by what happened. According 

to Pulitzer Prize-winning author Caroline Fraser (2025), “It is pretty well accepted that between 20% and 

50% of the rise in crime in the 1980s and 1990s is attributable to lead” (p. 70) (Note 20). Therefore, 

without the presence of lead in our world, particularly in our waters, children worldwide might have 

fewer behavioral problems — and/or mental health issues. They will definitely perform better 

academically. But this remains to be seen. 

Although many may be skeptical about the correlation, or specific cause and effects, lead is definitely 

one of the reasons why the health of humans can be fatally compromised. Meaning, lead poisoning and 

human health are inexplicably linked. Hence, it should be a cautionary reminder about our environmental 

future, especially toward having cleaner waters — that is, the precious liquid that descends to the earth 

as rain, and forms ponds, lakes, rivers, and oceans. But it should be also pointed out that polluted, aquatic 

ecosystems don’t particularly recover quickly. 

Besides, lead poisoning, perhaps our biggest problem with the pollution of our seas and other waters is 

the human use of “forever chemicals.” In addition, some other “contributions to water pollution include 

substances drawn from the air (like acid rain), silt from soil erosion, chemical fertilizers and pesticides, 

[oil spills and plastics, or] runoff from septic tanks, outflow from livestock feedlots, chemical wastes 

[often toxic] from [polluting] industries, and sewage and other urban wastes from cities and towns” 

(“Water Pollution,” 2000, pp. 1726-1727) (Note 21). Additionally, we cannot forget that other “outside 

[polluting] sources, such as airports, military bases and [polluting] manufacturers” (Fast & Calderon, 



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2025, p. 3A) (Note 22), as well as industrial businesses cause serious water pollution. Inevitably, people 

across the world need to know the negative result of polluting our waters. Unfortunately, today, toxins 

and other chemical concoctions are being deliberately introduced into our waters almost everywhere, 

particularly in our oceans. This is important to note, because according to professor Jacobson (2024), “In 

some parts of the world, where water is exceedingly difficult to find the cost of water exceeds the cost of 

gasoline” (p. 3) (Note 23), which is ridiculous. Take for example the nation of Iran, where water is scarce; 

and there is inequity when it comes to who can get clean water in (some parts of) the country. Kaveh 

Madani, the director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health 

concludes that: “Wealthier urban residents can afford water storage, tanker deliveries or other [water] 

solutions, while the poor [minorities] will bear the brunt of the suffering” (Fassihi, Mahoozi & 

Nikounazar, 2025, p. 10) (Note 24). Madani’s sentiment is the classic adage or definition of politics — 

that is, “Who Gets What, When, and How; and especially if we consider the need for sustainability of our 

water and/or water shortages. In either case, humans will definitely be in jeopardy if our water is 

undrinkable or not potable because of human activity. Undeniably, many humans do their best to avoid 

the absolute truth about our dirty waters and polluted environments. Therefore, because of a lack of water 

in some countries, like in Iran, we must ensure that everyone has access to this necessary liquid resource, 

even in woebegone countries in Africa. Furthermore, poisoning our waters with dangerous chemicals — 

that are long-lasting — is a recipe for ultimate disaster. According to science writer Austin Fast (2025), 

“Water pouring from the faucets of at least 42 million Americans is contaminated with unacceptable 

levels of forever chemicals…” (p. 5) (Note 25). Or put another way, it has been “estimated [that] 158 

million Americans drink water contaminated with forever chemicals, based on [specific] state and federal 

test results that extend beyond the EPA data…” (Fast & Calderon, 2025, p. 3A) (Note 26). The 

irreversible nature of long-lasting, toxic chemicals are cancer-causing in humans; and boiling and 

disinfecting drinking water that has been contaminated with oil toxins or forever chemicals will not solve 

the problems of pollution, or make water fit or safer to drink. Sadly, the current EPA scraping of ‘forever 

chemical’ limits is not the answer either, because it shifts “the burden to the [larger] public instead of 

strengthening clean water laws or holding polluters accountable” (Fast & Calderon, 2025, p. 3A) (Note 

27) for their hurtful and repugnant actions. Indeed, polluting corporations like Chevron and ExxonMobil 

should be held “accountable for the damage they’re doing to people and our planet” (Goldman, 2025, p. 

2). Nevertheless, polluting industrial groups “representing water utilities have [even] sued the EPA, 

claiming the agency did not follow proper procedures… laid out in the Safe Drinking Water Act” (Fast, 

2025, p. 5A), complicating things even more. But punishing certain polluting industries might prove 

ultimately and unequivocally that polluting corporations don’t particularly care about the spread of 

‘everlasting chemicals,’ like polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS. More importantly, against this backdrop, 

these polluting companies and others threaten our wetlands and waters across the world — as well as the 

very existence of humans on the planet. As journalist Mariah Blake (2025) writes: “In recent years, 



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forever chemicals have been increasingly recognized as one of the most significant environmental threats 

of our time” (p. 8), particularly across vast stretches of land and our oceans. 

 

4. Consequence of a Polluted Environment/World 

Of greater concern in the long-term is: there are other deadly chemicals that can cause health issues and 

lingering, eventual death — and such toxins can increase the risk of all types of cancer, including ovarian 

and prostate complications. 

Take for example a study commissioned by Polk County officials, which determined that “Iowa’s rivers, 

lakes and streams are plagued with [serious] pollutants that include nationally high nitrate levels, farm 

chemicals and harmful bacteria” (“Iowa, Polk,” 2025, p. 4B). In this regard, we can point the finger at 

selective herbicides, which are used in farming and agriculture, because such chemicals “target the 

troublesome weeds and have other weeds and the growing crops [are] unharmed” (“Herbicide,” 1994, p. 

523). However, it creates toxic land and water pollution from run-off, as mentioned. It is also unfortunate, 

but corporate/industrial polluters don’t especially like being exposed — that is, when we find out that 

they are contributing to the almost ever-lasting pollution of our waters, wherever it might be in our world. 

And it seems like we are in a quandary as to how to respond to those who knowingly dirty our waters. 

What is problematic about this issue is: polluting industries are the all-powerful villains that seem to care 

less about the safety of humanity, because they sometimes allow for the indiscriminate dumping of 

industrial waste in our waters, while relying on the consistent availability of water. We (humans) should 

be angry or incensed about the many dirty, polluting industries; but many of us hardly think of such 

matters. However, there are supporters who believe that “concerns about pollution are outweighed by the 

[polluting] industry’s economic benefits” (Williams & Bryan, 2025, p. 6) (Note 28). Yet, without clean, 

potable water for human consumption, major cities around the planet might become empty, or ghost 

towns. So, is this our future reality? Professor Jacobson (2024) says it best when he writes that, the 

“Availability of potable water is a crisis waiting to happen” (p. 3). Hence, we shouldn’t close our minds 

to such a possibility. Without a doubt, Environmentalists know that we are not doing enough to preserve 

our pristine waters in the United States and around the world. 

And when it comes to our polluted environment and waters, we must understand that there shouldn’t be 

a sort of “black hole,” where not enough is being done to clean-up the mess that we have made to the 

planet. We must also consider protecting drinkable water, not based on race, or a particular minority 

neighborhood. In this respect, we should continue to sound the alarm about what is still going on in 

Jackson, Mississippi in the United States, where the predominantly black community “have been 

receiving boil-water notices” for over two years because of pollution in the city (Draper, 2025, p. 22). 

Unfortunately, black people in the state of Mississippi are likely to suffer adverse health consequences if 

they continue to consume this tainted water. Another environmental concern, as it relates to polluted 

water, is to mention the microplastics in our lakes and oceans. This is to say that fish and “birds have 

ingested so much plastic that they make a crunching sound.” What? Birds, for example, “on a remote 



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Australian island [Lord Howe Island]… have been plucking bits of plastic out of the ocean and feeding 

it to their chicks.” After “Pumping the stomachs of live birds revealed that some contained more than 2 

ounces of plastic, nearly a fifth of their body weight” (“Seabirds packed,” 2025, p. 21). The result of this 

oil-by-product or oil-based pollution is the fear that, “these microplastics will move through the food 

chain, affecting the health of not only fish but eventually humans as well” (Mingst & McKibben, 2021, 

p. 416) (Note 29). So, are we living on this planet surrounded by oceans and waters of plastic waste? Of 

course, having microplastics in our environment and oceans are extremely troubling. Indeed, “recent 

reports of plastic microparticles found in carotid arteries [of humans] have raised concerns on the health 

impact of plastics in general, and their use for distributing water in particular” (Jacobson, 2024, p. 3) 

(Note 30). Although water sustainability is also necessary and important, we (humans) cannot fool 

ourselves into believing that the problem of microplastics (in our oceans) will not negatively affect us — 

now and in the future. 

It is enormously unsettling that we can’t get a firm handle on this particular water pollution issue. After 

all, it’s been reported that there are “alarmingly high levels of microplastics in human brains,” which are 

even “higher than in the liver or kidney, and higher than previous reports for [human] placentas and testes” 

(Haederie, 2025, p. 1) (Note 31). Accordingly, as journalist Elizabeth Weise (2025) writes: 

Evidence is also accumulating that the microplastic bits [are] now found everywhere 

in our [watery] environment[s] — from Antarctica to the Amazon — [and] are invading 

our bodies and have been implicated in everything from heart disease to infertility. In 

addition, the chemicals used in plastic can leach out into food, potentially increasing 

risks for obesity, heart disease and other ailments. [However,] the plastic industry 

rejects this research, saying [that] it’s not conclusive (p. 1A). 

 

5. The Nature of the Aquatic Ecosystem Problem 

No doubt, our polluted waters may impact our future in profoundly negative ways. And all the factors 

presented in this paper should tell us that water will always be “a valuable public natural resource that 

may not always be available” (Jacobson, 2024, p. 3), because of polluting corporations and other dirty 

industries. Question: Do polluters care about the people who will be negatively affected by their devious, 

unrelenting polluting (business?) actions, like denying minority communities clean water, or polluting 

the areas where they reside. So, why do we allow these unscrupulous companies to exist at all, while 

they continue to contaminate our precious waters across the planet? Where is the accountability? 

“Sensing the growing desire for cleaner water among the [masses], some within industry” believe that 

“more stringent regulations [are] inevitable and even desirable” (Ross & Amter, 2010, p. 105). But we 

must ask: Are they really sincere? Indeed, this sentiment remains to be seen. To be certain, environmental 

solutions are absolutely necessary. Moreover, clean water policies by our Congress or government are a 

must, given our polluting practices across the world. This is to say that our politicians in Congress must 

face up to their responsibility to enforce regulations that will protect humankind, while fighting back 



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against environmental degradation. After all, polluting our waters should never be acceptable. Hence, 

we must publicly confront corporate polluters, no matter what, like the state of New Jersey did in suing 

DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva. 

Accordingly, the aforementioned “companies [must] pay the state of New Jersey up to $2 billion to settle 

environmental claims stemming from PFAS, commonly referred to as forever chemicals” (“DuPont to,” 

2025, p. 5B) (Note 32). Apparently, water pollution is disturbingly common when it comes to PFAS. 

Keep in mind that these “forever chemicals are a group of chemicals,” as already discussed, “that have 

been around for decades and have now spread in the nation’s air, water and soil” (“DuPont to,” 2025, p. 

5B) (Note 33). Unfortunately, this environmental issue might become insurmountable — that is, if we 

don’t stop the inexcusable dumping of toxins and PFAS chemicals in our water systems and lands. But 

we also have other serious environmental challenges when it comes to the pollution of our waters — 

worldwide. For example, and for the record, it has been explained that, “the U.S. nuclear industry isn’t 

at risk of losing access to uranium, ” even as it (the industry) wants to move forward and mine for the 

toxic substance (uranium) in Utah at the Pinyon Plain mine; but such a plan by the federal government 

seems to forget that, ultimately, specific groups are in danger of being contaminated, particularly their 

waters (Gruver & Schoenbaum, 2025, p. B5) (Note 34), which will eventually harm humans near the 

(cursed) mine. And we cannot camouflage the radioactive waste produced by uranium. Furthermore, 

despite our self-destructive proclivities to pollute our waters and environment, we also have “High levels 

of naturally occurring uranium [which has] been detected in water samples at the under-construction 

Chimney Hollow Reservoir Southwest of Loveland, Colorado.” Unfortunately, Northern Water utilities 

have started “filling the reservoir that will provide water to a dozen [surrounding] cities and water 

districts” (“Loveland, Colorado,” 2025, p. 7B). What? Should we worry about the odds — that is, that 

such a reservoir might be a dangerous proposition — in the long term — that is, if humans consume this 

(uranium-tainted) water? Or what might be the unintended consequences? Another challenge that should 

be recognized in terms of water and land pollution is to recognize that “the desert of southern New 

Mexico,” where our government, during the nuclear age, “detonated the first atomic bomb” is polluted. 

To say the least, it has been “an ongoing nightmare for the people who call the area home” (Guillen, 2025, 

p. 3). As scientist and writer Feleecia Guillen (2025) tells us: 

That [nuclear bomb] test, known as Trinity, blanketed rural communities in radioactive 

fallout. No one was warned. No one was evacuated. Families drank radioactive 

rainwater, breathed in ash and were left to carry the [pollution] burden in silence (p. 3). 

Question: How exactly can we reverse the damage to our environment by our government and polluting 

corporations? Or what precautions and protective measures should we take to mitigate the risks to our 

lakes, rivers, potable water systems, and oceans? According to author, U.N. Global Compact Special 

Adviser for Ocean and co-chair of the G20 Ocean group, Sturla Henriksen (2025): “Now is the time for 

bold, responsible action,” particularly about protecting our seas, which “will shape the future of life on 

land.” Henriksen goes on to predict and write: “Without a clean, healthy, and productive ocean, our 



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collective future is in jeopardy.” (p. 43) (Note 35). As any full-fledged environmentalist will tell us, we 

have the Herculean task of protesting our waters from dangerous pollution almost everywhere, created 

by massive industries. 

 

6. Conclusions 

Our cowardice, or ineffective track record about cleaning up our environment, especially our waters, 

should be deeply alarming — that is, to all humans. Perhaps even more damning are climate-change 

deniers, naysayers, and conservative politicians who continue to pooh-poo government policies that 

might actually help with our ecological, water devastation problems, as many make false arguments or 

so-called counter-arguments to mislead the public about the damage that corporate polluters have 

wrought, as if such effort is some kind of political boondoggle. Nevertheless, we must not let polluters 

off the hook for what they have done in the past and today to our environment, aquatic ecosystems, and 

the contaminated water that some of us drink. To be sure, do we have the will to punish polluting 

industries? Probably not. However, we must face the future in a healthier, more rational way — that is, 

without exposing humans to harmful, oil-based products, like plastics, radioactive waste, and other PFAS 

chemicals and toxins. More importantly, all humans should be concerned about the safety and well-being 

of our planet in terms of keeping our environment and water ecosystems clean. 

Even if the arguments presented in this work leave the reader unpersuaded, we cannot close our eyes and 

pretend that all is well with the world and our environment, when this isn’t true. For some, even “the 

term environment [itself] is… a contested concept.” That is, that “the environment is a space ‘out there’ 

to be preserved” (Mingst & McKibben, 2021, p. 421) (Note 36). Therefore, we must be concerned with 

the environment from “an ecosystem [water] perspective” (Mingst & McKibben, 2021, p. 421) (Note 37) 

worldwide, not just within respective communities and countries when it comes to water pollution. To 

wit, we need to set basic protections when it comes to our waters, like having a stronger Clean Water Act, 

which should be a foundational pillar for a cleaner environment — worldwide. In this respect, we must 

make water pollution a violation of International Law, if possible. After all, humans (or all people) 

deserve quality, clean, potable water, as mentioned, where no one will suffer from water inequity, because 

of who they are, particularly when there are safety and health considerations involved. We also 

desperately need more forward-thinking individuals and advocacy groups to help environmentalists to 

fight the good fight against powerful, corporate forces of evil that would pollute our world without giving 

it a second thought. Meanwhile, environmentalists must continue to articulate or pontificate intelligently 

— to make their voices heard for anyone who will listen. 

When it is all said and done, we (environmental advocates) need to create an environmental “report card,” 

on an international level, where we (humans) can learn about “the forever chemical PFAS in agricultural 

fields,” which are “fertilized with sewage sludge” (“Oregon, Salem,” 2025, p. 7B) (Note 38), like in 

Salem, Oregon. Moreover, we need to take note that, “more than 3.5 million New Yorkers are served by 

water systems” that contain forever chemicals. No doubt, we cannot ignore this “environmental and 



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human health risks.” Indeed, “Newly reported water test results” in the state of New York “show [that] 

the highest health risks linked to [PFAS] chemicals [unfortunately] were in some communities on Long 

Island and parts of the Hudson Valley” (“New York, Albany,” 2025, p. 4B). In this regard, a “roll call” of 

specific environmental problems should exist in the United States (and elsewhere) that needs fixing, like 

“the amount of human waste tainting waterways along Florida’s east coast.” We must also be cognizant 

that: 

There are other [serious] causes as well [as many water pollution] problems, [like] 

fecal by-products — sometimes seeping from septic tanks, or from sludge labeled 

biosolids and poured onto farm fields — [which] have gained growing attention as a 

pollution source along the 310-mile St. Johns River and the Indian River Lagoon 

(“Florida, Jacksonville,” 2025, p. 7B).  

We must also keep our eyes on the lead pollution that is being introduced in different water systems and 

in respective minority communities across America and the planet. For example, school district officials 

in Memphis, Tennessee tell us that, “Certain drinking water sources at two dozen Memphis-Shelby 

County Schools [have] showed elevated levels of lead” (“Tennessee, Memphis,” 2025, p. 3B), which can 

be ultimately deadly for the humans (children and adults) living in these particular areas. Hence, our 

governments must eradiate this water pollution of lead by any means necessary; or at all cost. 

Additionally, nations across out world must rid themselves of lead pollution and other dirty pollution that 

negatively affect our clean waters. 

Finally, as discussed, cleaning up our polluted world will require immediate action — that is, if we wish 

to save our planet wetlands or aquatic ecosystems for the future. But it won’t be an easy task to clean-up 

our waters. Of course, timing and execution are essential to protecting what we have as humans. Further, 

some might even argue that cleaning-up our polluted waters is more difficult than we might think or 

imagine. So, is it an impossible, intractable task? Unfortunately, people (or humans) across the planet are 

playing Russian Roulette, so to speak, with drinking contaminated water. And inevitably, we will pay a 

terrible price for polluting our aquatic ecosystems and environment. 

 

References 

Beresford, B. (Director). (2017). Flint [DVD], back of DVD cover. Sony Pictures.  

Blake, M. (2025, April 27). Meet the Warriors in the Fight Against Forever Chemicals. The New York 

Times (p. 8). 

Challoner, J. (2021). Water: A Visual and Scientific History. Massachusetts: The MIT Press.  

Draper, R. (2025, July 27). A Kennedy Is Retracing His Grandfather’s Steps. The New York Times (p. 22). 

DuPont to pay New Jersey $2 billion in settlement. (2025, August 5). Las Vegas Review-Journal (p. 5B).  

Edwards, D. V., & Lippucci, A. (1998). Practicing American Politics: An Introduction to Government. 

New York: Worth Publishers.  



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Ending EPA’s endangerment finding would weaken climate change regulations. (2025, July 31). Las 

Vegas Sun, Editorial (p. 7).  

EPA says it will defend Biden-era head pipe rule. (2025, August 6). Las Vegas Review-Journal (p. 4A). 

Fassihi, F., Mahoozi, S., & Nikounazar, L. (2025, July 27). Dry Taps, Tiny Reservoirs: Water Crisis 

Crushes Iran. The New York Times, International (p. 10).  

Fast, A. (2025, June 12). ‘Forever chemicals’ affecting more cities. USA Today (p. 5A).  

Fast, A., & Calderon, I. (2025, May 19). EPA scraps ‘forever chemical’ limits. USA Today (p. 3A).  

Florida, Jacksonville. (2025, August 22). USA Today, News from across the USA (p. 7B). 

Fraser, C. (2025, July 7). 7 Questions. Time Magazine (p. 70).  

Goklany, I. M. (2007). The Improving State of the World: Why We’re Living Longer, Healthier, More 

Comfortable Lives on a Cleaner Planet. Washington, DC: CATO Institute. 

Goldman, G. [letter]. (2025, June 29). Union of Concerned Scientists (p. 2). 

Gongloff, M. (2025, August 12). Earth is drying out; we must act urgently. Las Vegas Sun (p. 3). 

Gruver, M., & Schoenbaum, H. (2025, June 1). Trump speeds Utah uranium mine reopening. Las Vegas 

Review-Journal (p. B5).  

Guillen, F. (2025, August 4). More Americans can get compensated for nuclear poisoning, but there’s a 

catch. Las Vegas Sun (p. 3).  

Haederie, M. (2025, February 28). UNM Researchers Find Alarmingly High Levels of Microplastics in 

Human Brains — and Concentrations are Growing Over Time. The University of New Mexico (p. 

1). Retrieved from https://hscnews.unm.edu/news/hsc-newsroom-post....  

Halaly, A. (2025, July 7). Water quality testing beckons. Las Vegas Review-Journal (p. 1B).  

Hawaii, Honolulu. (2025, June 9). USA Today, News from across the USA (p. 3B).  

Hazardous Substances. (1994). In The Cambridge Encyclopedia (2nd ed., p. 515). London: Cambridge 

University Press.  

Henriksen, S. (2025, June 23). A New Turbulence: Politics is roiling the waters that should connect us. 

Time (p. 43).  

Herbicide. (1994). In The Cambridge Encyclopedia (2nd ed., p. 523). London: Cambridge University 

Press. 

Iowa, Polk County. (2025, July 2). USA Today, News from across the USA (p. 4B).  

Jacobson, S. (2024, October 4). Which water is safest to drink? Las Vegas Sun (p. 3).  

Lead. (1994). In The Cambridge Encyclopedia (2nd ed., p. 638). London: Cambridge University Press.  

Loveland, Colorado. (2025, June 13). News from across the USA. USA Today (p. 7B). 

McDermont, J. (2025, August 6). A plastic pollution solution? Las Vegas Review-Journal (p. 8A). 

Michigan: Governor seeks $300M for Flint water, Detroit Schools. (2016, February 11). Las Vegas 

Review-Journal, Reuters (p. A7).  

Mingst, K. A., & McKibben, H. E. (2021). Essentials of International Relations (9th ed.). New York: W. 

W. Norton & Company.  

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New York, Albany. (2025, August 25). USA Today, News from across the USA (p. 4B). 

Oregon, Salem. (2025, August 22). USA Today, News from across the USA (p. 7B). 

Petrequin, S., & Wilson, J. (2025, July). Europe continue sizzling heat wave. Las Vegas Review-Journal 

(p. 8A). 

Phillis, M., Loller, T., & Wilderman, M. K. (2025, July 27). Trouble water at mobile home parks. Las 

Vegas Review-Journal (p. 8A).  

Poisoned Water: That Flinty Taste. (2016, January 23). Economist (p. 23).  

Ross, B., & Amter, S. (2010). The Polluters: The Making of Our Chemically Altered Environment. New 

York: Oxford University Press. 

Seabirds packed with plastic. (2025, June 6). The Week (p. 21). 

Tennessee, Memphis. (2025, August 18). USA Today, News from across the USA (p. 3B). 

Wallace-Wells, D. (2025, August 10). The World Is Now Unavoidably Toxic. The New York Times (p. 6). 

Waste Disposal. (1994). In The Cambridge Encyclopedia (2nd ed., p. 1175). London: Cambridge 

University Press. 

Water. (2000). In Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Encyclopedia (p. 1725). Massachusetts: Merriam-

Webster Inc.  

Water Pollution. (2000). In Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Encyclopedia (pp. 1726-1727). Massachusetts: 

Merriam-Webster Inc.  

Weise, E. (2025, May 15). Study: Plastics cause thousands of deaths. USA Today (p. 1A). 

Williams, E., & Bryan, S. M. (2025, June 4). Oil and gas have boomed in New Mexico; schools are 

contending with pollution. Las Vegas Sun (p. 6).  

 

Notes 

Note 1. It should be noted that, “Life is believed to have originated in the world’s oceans, and living 

originated in the world’s oceans, and living organisms use aqueous solutions (including blood and 

digestive juices) as mediums for carrying out [aforementioned] biological process.” See the same 

reference and page number. 

Note 2. Unfortunately, some of waters or aquatic ecosystems are not only polluted; but even the water 

that we drink (in some places) is full of certain chemicals and deadly toxins. Therefore, trying to protect 

our world is not some kind of leftist propaganda. 

Note 3. But most importantly, we cannot close our eyes to unprecedented environmental disasters and 

our water crisis, which will negatively affect us all. Take for  example how jet fuel “spilled from a Pearl 

Harber [Hawaii] storage facility before it later seeped into drinking water and sickened 6,000 people… 

in 2021.” See Two accused of causing false fuel leak information. (2025, September 2). Las Vegas 

Review-Journal (p. 6A). 



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Note 4. In this regard, environmentalists have repeatedly told us that we must fiercely fight hard to save 

our aquatic ecosystems and our planet. We must also take significant actions when it comes to preserving 

our water throughout the world. 

Note 5. According to Hrishikesh Chandanpurkar, a research scientist with Arizona State University, 

“Fresh water is finite, and we’re losing it….” Indeed, “Much of the water ends up in the salty oceans, 

contributing more to sea-level rise than the melting of ice in Antarctica or Greenland.” See Gongloff, M. 

(2025, August 12). Earth is drying out; we must act urgently. Las Vegas Sun (p. 3). 

Note 6. Bear in mind that a dirty aquatic ecosystem and polluted environment raise the specter of a dying 

world because of the terrible activities of humankind. 

Note 7. How exactly can we or should we allocate water resources for a future that might leave us in the 

dust? Or will we require more intense regulations and spending on cleaning waters polluted  by awful, 

thoughtless, and disgusting corporations? 

Note 8. Governments across the planet are already under pressure to clean-up their own backyards. 

However, many nations believe that it would be cost prohibited to do anything about our polluted 

environments. 

Note 9. Countries need to implement or put in place more regulations to stem the tide of corporate 

pollution. The question is: Do they have the will to do anything? There is, of course, no measurable 

downside of being an advocate for a clean environment and world. 

Note 10. It is unfortunate, but polluting industries continue to wave off criticism over whether their 

unscrupulous businesses are hurting people and the environment, like with oil companies and other 

corporations that poison our waters and contribute to global warming and deforestation. 

Note 11. We should bear in mind that lead has a considerable toxic effect, as lead is slowly oxidized in 

the presence of air and water. See the same reference and page number. Forging ahead, it is hard to 

envision our world where we only have toxic waters to drink and deal with. According to columnist 

David Wallace-Wells, “Plastic is now threaded through the flesh of fish, where it is interfering with 

reproduction, and the stalks of plants, where it is interfering with photosynthesis, and much else we place 

on our dinner plates and set about eating.” See Wallace-Wells, D. (2025, August 10). The World Is Now 

Unavoidably Toxic. The New York Times (p. 6). 

Note 12. Jacobson goes on to tell us that: “Every month, the list of water main breaks around the country 

grows. All such events are symptomatic of an aging water infrastructure that demands attention, yet often 

gets pushed aside in favor of more urgent public needs.” See the same reference and page number. 

Note 13. Clearly, we must understand our environmental priorities. Indeed, we must think pragmatically 

about how to save every ecosystem and the human population, in general. 

Note 14. We cannot bush off our water crisis and other environmental woes, particularly if there are 

significant, or potential harmful consequences. In other words, the complexities of our many 

environmental issues shouldn’t be taken lightly, or for granted. 



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Note 15. It should be pointed out that, “The Republican governor Rick Snyder came under fire for the 

health crisis in Flint due to unsafe drinking water and for the financial crisis at DPA [Detroit Public 

Schools] under emergency managers he appointed.”  See the same reference and page number. 

Note 16. It should be noted that the EPA or “the Environmental Protection Agency” under a conservative 

administration, has indicated that “it will defend the Biden administration aggressive rule for reducing 

lead in drinking water against a court challenge.” See EPA says it will defend Biden-era head pipe rule. 

(2025, August 6). Las Vegas Review-Journal (p. 4A). 

Note 17. We must seek to educate ourselves about the horrible consequences of lead poisoning in our 

water systems. This environmental issue is symptomatic of our polluted aquatic ecosystems everywhere. 

Note 18. Keep in mind that the “Residents of Flint complained immediately after the switch to river water 

that the stuff coming out of their [water] taps had a brownish color and a strange smell.” But, “their 

worries were dismissed.” See Poisoned Water: That Flinty Taste. (2016, January 23). Economist (p. 23). 

Note 19. Note that “after checking hundreds of samples from Flint’s toddlers… the lead levels in their 

blood had doubled or even tripled” — that is, after “the switch from [the dirty] Lake Huron water.” And 

wrongly, “state regulators insisted [that] the water was safe.” See the same reference and page number. 

Note 20. Question: Is there a clear association between the withdrawal of leaded gas and the drop-off of 

crime, or criminal behavior? Perhaps. See the same reference and page number. According to columnist 

David Wallace-Wells, “half of Americans alive today” have been “exposed to dangerous levels of lead 

as children, and half of children in the developing world have lead poisoning; one estimate suggests lead 

was responsible for more than five million cardiovascular disease deaths in a given year, in addition to 

impeding neurological development and in ways that have been linked to increased criminal behavior.” 

See Wallace-Wells, D. (2025, August 10). The World Is Now Unavoidably Toxic. The New York Times 

(p. 6).  

Note 21. Moving forward, and without further damage to our environment, humans must not cast the fate 

of humankind to the wind, so to speak, without pondering the logistics and tragedy of our actions. 

Although it might be counter-intuitive, we need more pollution abatement, while giving the planet time 

to repair itself with our help in cleaning up plastics and other toxins/pollution. 

Note 22. It is as if humans are sleep-walking — that is, if they don’t have a clue about who is actually 

causing the pollution in every environmental ecosystem: It is primarily corporations. Hence, we must try 

harder to make these environmental issues go away. 

Note 23. Jacobson also tells us that unfortunately, “one gallon of water costs more than one gallon of gas 

in oil-rich Saudi Arabia.” See the same reference and page number. 

Note 24. Unfortunately, there are “periodic water shortage (in Iran) over the past few years in Khuzestan, 

Isfahan, and Sistan and Baluchistan provinces [which] prompted protests that quickly turned political, 

with some farmers clashing with security forces.” See the same reference and page number. 



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Note 25. According to a USA Today analysis of EPA records, “774 [water] systems don’t meet the limits 

for forever chemicals.” And, “Those utilities probably will need to install advanced filtration systems or 

find other sources of drinking water by 2031.” See the same reference and page number. 

Note 26. Note that high toxic substances and forever chemicals will always adversely affect the health of 

humans. In this regard, corporate polluters must find safer energy alternatives; or it will be to our 

detriment. 

Note 27. What exactly might be the result of eliminating regulations to protect our oceans and other 

aquatic ecosystems? Perhaps the following: According to the USA Today in “An annual report by the 

Surfrider Foundation found that two beaches [in Honolulu] in the state are among the most polluted in 

the nation, and that 13 more have unsafe bacteria levels….” See Hawaii, Honolulu. (2025, June 9). USA 

Today, News from across the USA (p. 3B).  

Note 28. We must point out that, “In 2024, a study at the [Lybrook Elementary School] found levels of 

pollutants — including benzene, a cancer-causing byproduct of natural gas production that is particularly 

harmful to children — were spiking during school hours, to nearly double the levels known to cause 

chronic acute health effects.” See the same reference and page number.   

Note 29. It should be noted that “Scientists began taking note of plastic in the ocean in the 1960s and 

‘70s, around the same time the E.P.A. was established to fight dozens of other forms of environmental 

contamination, often more visible.” See Wallace-Wells, D. (2025, August 10). The World Is Now 

Unavoidably Toxic. The New York Times (p. 6).  

Note 30. Unfortunately, “Plastic pollution is damaging ecosystems, polluting our oceans and rivers, 

threatening biodiversity, harming human health and unfairly impacting the most vulnerable,” and in an 

inequitable way. See McDermont, J. (2025, August 6). A plastic pollution solution? Las Vegas Review-

Journal (p. 8A). Note: A new report by international (environmental) experts warned that, “Plastic in the 

environment is causing disease at every stage of the plastics life cycle and at every stage of human life.” 

It should also be pointed out that, “8 billion tons of waste clog landfills and create massive floating 

islands in the ocean, while microplastics permeate the air, the water, and even the blood-streams of all 

living things.” See Can we curb plastic use before it’s too late? (2025, August 22). The Week Magazine 

(p. 21). 

Note 31. According to journalist Jennifer McDermont, “Between 19 million and 23 million tons of plastic 

waste leak into aquatic ecosystem annually, which could jump 50 percent by 2040 without urgent action, 

according to the U.N. See McDermont, J. (2025, August 6). A plastic pollution solution? Las Vegas 

Review-Journal (p. 8A). 

Note 32. It has been reported that the polluting companies in Jew Jersey “will split the costs” of the 

settlement after [the] court approval of $875 million over 25 years and create a remediation fund of up 

$1.2 billion. See the same reference and page number. 

Note 33. Keep in mind that “the disposal of [PFAS] waste from domestic, industrial, and agricultural 

sources,” of course, is “a major environmental concern.” Unfortunately, and this is the point: “Methods 



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commonly used include burial in landfill sites and at sea…,” which is polluting our watery environments. 

Therefore, in no uncertain terms, “Care is needed to ensure that polluting of water, air, and lands is 

avoided.” See Waste Disposal. (1994). In The Cambridge Encyclopedia (2nd ed., p. 1175). London: 

Cambridge University Press. 

Note 34. As historian Indur M. Goklany writes: “Globally, two of the most serious environmental 

problems are inadequate sanitation and insufficient availability of safe water for drinking, washing food, 

and personal hygiene.” See Goklany, I. M. (2007). The Improving State of the World: Why We’re Living 

Longer, Healthier, More Comfortable Lives on a Cleaner Planet. Washington, DC: CATO Institute). p. 

151. 

Note 35. As Henriksen tells us, “a clean, healthy, and productive ocean is at the heart of tackling climate 

change.” Equally important, “it must be central to creating a better world,” with an abundance of clean 

water. See the same reference and page number. 

Note 36. If our environmental problems are not addressed, we will have serious water problems moving 

forward into the future. Therefore, it is way past time that humans stop ignoring that we have poisoned 

our various watery ecosystems. 

Note 37. It is unfortunate, but some world governments are providing “false solutions” that are being 

promoted by polluting corporations and “wealthy countries,” which hasn’t solved many of our 

environmental issues. To be sure, corporate polluters must be subjected to much scrutiny — that is, if we 

are to get a handle on fixing our polluted world. See Petrequin, S., & Wilson, J. (2025, July). Europe 

continue sizzling heat wave. Las Vegas Review-Journal (p. 8A). 

Note 38. It should be noted here that Eutrophication, which is “a process that occurs when excess 

fertilizer and nutrients get into the water, [which] can create algal [polluted] blooms that result in low 

levels of oxygen in the water.” See Yancey-Bragg, N. (2025, August 27). East coast enduring the sting of 

jellyfish. USA Today (p. 2A). 

 

Biographical Sketch 

EARNEST N. BRACEY is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, with over twenty years of active military 

service. He was commissioned through Reserve Officer Training (Distinguished Military Graduate) at 

Jackson State University, where he graduated with honors (Magna Cum Laude), and received his 

Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 1974. In addition, he received the Masters of Public 

Administration in 1979 from Golden Gate University, his Masters of Arts degree in International Affairs 

in 1983 from the Catholic University of America, his Masters of Business Administration in 2009 from 

California Coast University, and his doctorate of Public Administration (with emphasis in Public Policy) 

in 1993 from George Mason University. Dr. Bracey also earned his Ph.D. in Education from Capella 

University in 1999.  

A recipient of numerous military awards and civilian honors, he is also a graduate of the United States 

Naval War College and the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and 



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previously served as Director of Administration at the prestigious Industrial College of the Armed Forces, 

Washington, D.C. He was also recognized as Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 2002, 2003, 

2004, 2005, and 2006. 

Dr. Bracey is professor of political science, and currently teaches American Politics and Black American 

History at the College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas. He was formerly Chair and Professor of Political 

Science at Jackson State University and Chairperson of the Political Science and History Department at 

Hampton University. He has also served as an editorial board-member for the Nevada Historical Society 

Quarterly. His work has appeared in professional journals and other publications, and he is the author of 

the books, Prophetic Insights: The Higher Education and Pedagogy of African Americans, University 

Press of America, 1999, On Racism: Essays On Black Popular Culture, African American Politics, and 

the New Black Aesthetics, University Press of America, 2003, Daniel “Chappie” James: The First 

African American Four Star General, McFarland & Company, Inc., 2003, Places in Political Time: 

Voices From the Black Diaspora, University Press of America, 2005, The Moulin Rouge and Black 

Rights in Las Vegas, McFarland & Company, Inc., 2009, and Miles Davis and Jazz as Religion, 

Lexington Books, 2021. He also co-authored the book, American Politics and Culture Wars (2001). He 

is also the author of the novels, Choson (1994) and The Black Samurai (1998), and the books of short 

stories, Requiems for Black Folks (2002) and The Big Black Three (2022). 

 


