Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson is giving back to the state of Mississippi.
The freshman and native Mississippian announced on Tuesday he’s partnering with Arkansas 211, a relief efforts service, to provide support to the citizens of Jackson, Mississippi, who have been dealing with the largest water crisis in the United States since Flint, Michigan in 2014.
Arkansas 211 is a program developed by the United Way of Arkansas to provide relief efforts to critical health and human services.
“The Pearl River has flooded the capital of my home state,” Jefferson said in the social media post. “Join me, with the support of Arkansas 211 and give today. Please TEXT QB1Arkansas to 41444. All proceeds go to water crisis relief in Jackson, MS.”
The Pearl River has flooded the capital of my home state. Join me, with the support of @211arkansas, and give today. Please TEXT QB1Arkansas to 41444. All proceeds go to water crisis relief in Jackson, MS.#KJUnitedWay #LiveUnited #OneArkansas pic.twitter.com/145NgqJdfd
— KJ_Jefferson2 (@kj_jefferson2) September 12, 2022
The deal between Jefferson and Arkansas 211 was brokered by OneArkansas NIL, a Razorback NIL program. The collective’s mission states is to “facilitate charitable efforts while serving fellow Arkansans and others.”
“Just like on the field, KJ has led the way with this one from the start. Please consider giving — even a $1 donation will go a long way,” the collectives said via Twitter.
Jackson, the largest city in Mississippi, has been without sufficient water pressure since late August and has been operating under a boil advisory since July, according to USA Today.
Due to the excessive rainfall, one of the cities two water treatment plants failed following the flooding of the Pearl River, causing a citywide disturbance leaving residents without sufficient water to drink, bathe and flush toilets.
On Tuesday, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of the Inspector General announced an investigation probe into the ongoing water issues in Jackson.
The O.B Water Treatment Plant has been at the center of a decades-long feud between officials to determine who’s responsible for financing long overdue repairs.
“Given the magnitude of the water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi, it is critical that the EPA OIG act with a sense of urgency to understand what has happened in that community. I have directed a multi-disciplinary team of oversight professionals to look into Jackson’s drinking water system,” Inspector General Sean O’Donnell said in a statement.
Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba told ENR.com repairs could run upwards of $1 billion.
