Flint’s Lingering Crisis: A Family’s Resilience in ‘cullud wattah’
for manny Americans, the Flint water crisis may seem like a distant memory. The narrative often fades from national headlines, fostering a misconception that the situation has been resolved. Though, the reality on the ground remains starkly different for the residents of Flint, Michigan.The play cullud wattah
serves as a stark reminder that the crisis is far from over and it’s implications extend far beyond the city limits.
Set against the backdrop of the 2014 Flint water crisis, cullud wattah
delves into the lives of three generations of Black women living under one roof as they navigate the daily realities of contaminated water. The play premiered to critical acclaim, offering a poignant exploration of resilience, faith, and the systemic injustices faced by marginalized communities.
A Family Under Siege: The Characters of ‘cullud wattah’
The play introduces us to a family grappling with the immediate and long-term consequences of the water crisis:
- Big Ma: The matriarch, embodying generational wisdom and ancestral memory, anchors the family amidst chaos.
- Marion: the primary provider, burdened by the duty of ensuring her family’s survival in a toxic environment.
- Reesee: Marion’s sister, a young woman exploring her identity and finding solace in spirituality thru Yemaja, an orisha.
- Ainee: A recovering drug user, pregnant and striving for a better future.
- Plum: The youngest, a schoolgirl whose health is directly impacted by the contaminated water, symbolizing the vulnerability of future generations.
The Weight of Water: Daily Life in a Crisis
The play vividly portrays the challenges faced by Flint residents, highlighting the constant struggle to secure safe water for basic needs. The characters meticulously budget for bottled water, rationing it for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. We see the physical toll: skin rashes, hair loss, and the underlying fear of long-term health consequences.
One of the moast haunting images presented is that of Plum, the youngest member of the family, sleepwalking and dreaming of drowning. This symbolizes the pervasive anxiety and trauma inflicted upon the community, especially its children.
“We see how the poisoned and polluted water causes burns on the women’s skin. How they count up and budget for the number of bottles of water needed to wash their bodies, prepare food, wash dishes, wash the floor… by this lyrical and loving chronicling of their daily tasks of survival, cullud wattah successfully immerses us in the horror of these women’s lives so that you can’t help but ask yourself: is this also what genocide looks like?”
As an example, consider the financial strain on families forced to purchase bottled water daily. A family of four might spend upwards of $20 per week on bottled water alone, a meaningful burden for low-income households already struggling to make ends meet. This financial pressure exacerbates existing inequalities and deepens the cycle of poverty.
| Expense | Weekly Cost (Estimated) | Annual Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| Bottled Water | $20 | $1,040 |
| Water Filters | $10 | $520 |
| Medical Expenses (Increased) | $25 | $1,300 |
| Total | $55 | $2,860 |
The table above illustrates the significant financial burden placed on Flint families as a direct result of the water crisis.These expenses, often unexpected, divert resources from othre essential needs such as food, healthcare, and education.
Seeking Hope: Faith, Ritual, and Resilience
Amidst the despair, the women in cullud wattah
find solace in faith, ritual, and community. They draw strength from their ancestors and embrace spiritual practices, seeking divine intervention and reaffirming their own existence.
“The story is suffused with efforts on the part of this group of women to tap into and magnify sources of hope. These efforts are grounded in remembered, resurrected, and re-imagined ritual.”
The play opens with the spiritual song “Wade in the Water,” symbolizing a call to confront the crisis and find strength within it. As one character poignantly asks: Where are our gods? who are they? What can they do for us?
These questions reflect a deep yearning for guidance and a questioning of faith in the face of systemic failure. The play doesn’t offer easy answers, but rather explores the complexities of belief in times of crisis.
Beyond the Play: Recent Developments in Flint
While cullud wattah
offers a snapshot of life in Flint, its crucial to acknowledge ongoing efforts to address the water crisis and its aftermath.As of 2025, significant progress has been made in replacing lead pipes, but challenges remain.
In 2021, a settlement was reached in a class-action lawsuit, providing compensation to Flint residents affected by the water crisis.However, the process of disbursing funds has been slow and complicated, leaving many still waiting for relief.
Furthermore,concerns persist about the long-term health effects of lead exposure,particularly among children. Studies have shown a correlation between the water crisis and elevated blood lead levels, which can lead to developmental delays and other health problems. Ongoing monitoring and support services are essential to mitigate these risks.
| Area | Progress | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Pipe Replacement | Significant progress made | Complete replacement still ongoing in some areas |
| Legal Settlements | Settlement reached in 2021 | Slow disbursement of funds, complex claims process |
| Health Monitoring | ongoing studies and monitoring | long-term health effects remain a concern, especially for children |
A National Wake-Up Call: Environmental Justice in America
The Flint water crisis serves as a stark reminder of the broader issue of environmental injustice in the United States. Marginalized communities are disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards,including contaminated water,air pollution,and toxic waste sites.
Cases like Flint highlight the urgent need for stronger environmental regulations, increased investment in infrastructure, and greater accountability for government officials. it is crucial to ensure that all communities have access to clean and safe water, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.
The situation in Flint demands a commitment to environmental justice. This commitment must include:
- Investing in infrastructure to ensure safe and reliable water systems.
- Strengthening environmental regulations to prevent future contamination.
- Empowering communities to participate in decision-making processes.
- Holding accountable those responsible for environmental harm.
Outrage and Encouragement: The Enduring Message of ‘cullud wattah’
Despite the bleak realities depicted in cullud wattah
, the play ultimately offers a message of resilience and hope. The strength and solidarity of the women in the face of adversity inspire outrage at the injustices they endure, while also encouraging viewers to take action and demand change.
“Nevertheless, rather than succumbing to despair, this strong ensemble leaves us with outrage and encouragement.”
The Flint water crisis is a continuing story,not just a moment in history. The play cullud wattah
invites us to acknowledge that reality and to reaffirm our commitment to justice while recognizing that the fight for safe water and environmental equity is far from over.
How does ‘cullud wattah’ encourage audiences to advocate for change?
Interview: Unpacking Resilience and Injustice in ‘cullud wattah’ with Playwright Anya Sharma
Welcome, Anya Sharma, to Archyde News. Your play, ‘cullud wattah,’ has garnered important attention for its poignant portrayal of the Flint water crisis. Thank you for joining us.
The Genesis of ‘cullud wattah’: What Inspired the Play?
Archyde News: Can you tell us about what specifically drove you to create this play? What sparked your interest in telling this particular story?
Anya Sharma: Thank you for having me. The Flint water crisis was a tragedy that unfolded in real-time, it was impossible to ignore the human cost. The initial reports and the ongoing struggle of the community made me want to create a platform by writing an experience for the general public to understand the depth of the effects and human impact that this crisis inflicted.
Focusing on the Family Dynamics
Archyde News: The play centers around a family. Why did you choose this intimate setting and how does this setting help the audience to empathize with the challenges faced by Flint residents?
Anya Sharma: Focusing on a single family – Big Ma, Marion, Reesee, Ainee, and Plum – allowed me to personalize the crisis. Through their daily lives, we witness the tangible effects of the contaminated water: the physical ailments, the financial strain, the emotional toll. It helps the audience not only understand the issues in the water crisis but connect with them.
Faith, Ritual and Hope
Archyde News: The play also explores themes of faith and spirituality as a source of strength. How does the play represent the role of faith amidst such adversity?
Anya Sharma: absolutely. Within the play, this family finds strength in their ancestors and in spiritual traditions. When the world around them has failed, they find a source of hope. It shows the resilience of the human spirit and how people come together in faith and community to navigate remarkable tribulations.
The Ongoing Crisis
Archyde News: As of 2025 and beyond,What does the future look like for Flint,and how does ‘cullud wattah’ encourage audiences to advocate for change?
Anya Sharma: While some progress has been made in replacing lead pipes,the long-term health effects,particularly on children,remain a big challenge. ‘cullud wattah’ serves as a call to action. By showing the struggles, the families are facing, it demands accountability and inspires a push for environmental justice. It insists that what happened in Flint should never happen again.
deeper Implications
Archyde News: Beyond the story of this family, what broader message does ‘cullud wattah’ offer about environmental justice in America?
Anya Sharma: The Flint water crisis highlights a pattern of environmental injustice in the U.S., where marginalized communities bear the brunt of environmental hazards. The play is a reminder of the urgency for stronger environmental regulations, community empowerment, and accountability. It’s about investment in infrastructure to ensure everyone has access to safe, drinkable water.
Legacy and Impact
Archyde News: What do you hope audiences will take away from seeing ‘cullud wattah’?
Anya Sharma: I hope the play sparks conversations about environmental justice, inspires action and that it encourages people to seek resources for change in their own communities. I want people to remember that the fight for clean water and environmental equity is far from over and that their involvement can make a big difference.
Archyde News: thank you, Anya, for sharing your insights. ‘cullud wattah’ is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of injustice and it brings awareness to a serious and current topic that will hopefully bring about a much-needed change. We appreciate your contribution to the conversation.
