The Colossus Crossroads: Fighting for the Future of Memphis w/ KeShaun Pearson

In Memphis, companies don't come in to invest in the city. They come in to extract from its people and its land, no matter how high the human cost. That's exactly what xAI did when they decided to build one of the largest data centers in South Memphis, regardless of what it meant for the wellbeing of the people already living there.More like this: The Collective Fight for Our Humanity - REAL ResistanceIn this episode, KeShaun Pearson, Executive Director of Memphis Community Against Pollution (MCAP), connects this fight to a much longer history of disinvestment and oppression in South Memphis— one that existed long before xAI showed up and shaped what it actually means to become a "sacrifice zone." But KeShaun also knows that when you're fighting to take something down, you have to build something better in its place. He shares his vision for what co-governance could look like between communities, cities, and corporations, and what it would take for a company that says it's here to give something back to actually mean it.Further reading & resources:Livestream w/ Alix Dunn: The Battle for MemphisElon Musk’s Memphis AI empire is the epicenter of the data center backlash — CNBCxAI built an illegal power plant to power its data center — Southern Environmental Law CenterxAI in Memphis — What you need to know — Memphis Community Against PollutionJoin The Maybe Collective to explore the politics of technology through fresh ideas that you won't hear anywhere else. Sign up for monthly insights, access to exclusive digital events, and real ways to get more involved on issues you care about.Computer Says Maybe is produced by Georgia Iacovou, Kushal Dev, Marion Wellington, Sarah Myles, Van Newman, and Zoe Trout