May 2025

May 21st

The Department of Justice ended civil rights investigations into police departments in cities including Memphis, Phoenix, Oklahoma City, Trenton, and Mount Vernon. These lawsuits against a number of local police departments were investigating patterns and practices of unconstitutional behavior. Federal investigations into the killing of Brianna Taylor found patterns of unconstitutional and racist policing practices in Louisville and Minneapolis, however, the Trump administration disputed these findings

The rapid expansion of AI and data center development is significantly impacting Black and Indigenous communities. While these facilities promise economic growth and job opportunities, they also raise concerns about environmental degradation, gentrification, and the potential for exacerbating existing inequalities.

Ongoing

The Impact ..

DENYING JUSTICE

By challenging the findings and ending the investigations, the Trump administration halted consent decrees that would have implemented critical oversight across police departments — shaping policies on management, supervision, training, performance evaluations, discipline, staffing, recruitment, and hiring. These reforms would have established long-term accountability through federal court oversight and independent monitors. Ending these efforts wasn’t simply an attempt to quiet the outcry over police brutality taking the lives of Black Americans — it was a move that undermined essential measures designed to ensure officers are properly trained and held accountable for inhumane and violent actions against the communities they serve.

From 2005 to 2019

104 non-federal law enforcement officers have been arrested in connection with fatal, on-duty shootings

35 of these officers have been convicted of a crime, often a lesser offense than murder.

Only 4 officers have been convicted of murder during this period and seen their convictions stand.

White Americans make up about 60% of the population, but only make up about 41% of fatal police shootings. Black Americans make up 13.4% of the population, but make up 22% of fatal police shootings.

Criminal Justice Fact Sheet

AI AND DATA CENTERS

The emergence of AI technologies and their reliance on data centers is reshaping the socio-economic fabric of communities, particularly in historically marginalized areas. Black Americans and American Indians bear the brunt of these economic pressures, as systemic inequalities in wealth and access to resources make it more challenging for them to cope with rising energy and water costs tied to the growing demand for AI infrastructure. AI and data centers are projected to displace 10% to 20% of the workorce, and can potentially wipe out half of all entry level white collar jobs in the next 1 - 5 years. Due to geographical barriers and existing disparitites, these groups will have an increased challenges keeping up with the financial cost of AI and data centers, and with reduction in health care options, will see further health concerns due to the pollution pushed into their communities.

Gentrification and Equity

The influx of tech developments can lead to rising property values and living costs in nearby neighborhoods, pushing long-time residents out and disrupting community dynamics, deepening socioeconomic divides.
Without careful oversight, the benefits of AI and data centers may disproportionately favor wealthier, often predominantly white communities. There is a risk that Black communities could be left out, facing the negatives without reaping the potential benefits of job creation and economic development.
Data centers require vast amounts of electricity, leading to higher energy demand and increased utility bills for nearby residents. In some areas, such as in Georgia, residential customers have faced multiple rate hikes due to power company expansions for data centers.
The infrastructure upgrades necessary to power AI systems—such as new power lines and substations—are often socialized, meaning the costs are passed on to everyday ratepayers rather than being fully covered by the tech companies.
Data centers use millions of gallons of water daily for cooling, which can strain local water supplies and increase water costs, especially in regions already facing drought, such as Arizona.
Because Black and brown households are already more likely to face energy insecurity, these increased costs directly exacerbate existing financial disparities.

Case Studies:

South Memphis, Tennessee

South Carolina

Environmental Concerns

The energy consumption of data centers is enormous, often leading to increased carbon emissions if fossil fuels are utilized. This can exacerbate climate change and negatively impact local air quality, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.
Training AI models requires substantial computational power, which leads to significant energy consumption. This energy often comes from non-renewable sources, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
The rapid advancement of AI technologies results in the generation of electronic waste. This e-waste can be hazardous, and improper disposal can harm the environment and public health, particularly in low-income neighborhoods where such waste is often processed.
Black and other marginalized communities are more likely to be affected by environmental degradation caused by AI development. These communities often bear the brunt of pollution and health risks associated with increased industrial activity and waste management.