President Obama Accepts Invitation to Flint After 8-Year-Old Activist Writes Him a Letter

President Obama is making a trip to Flint, Michigan to discuss the town’s water crisis and it might all be thanks to an 8-year-old activist.

Mari Copeny, who has gained the nickname Little Miss Flint for her activism in the community, wrote to the president last month as she headed to D.C. to watch Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder’s testimony before the House Oversight Committee. In the email, Mari wrote:

“I am one of the children that is effected by this water, and I’ve been doing my best to march in protest and to speak out for all the kids that live here in Flint. This Thursday I will be riding a bus to Washington, D.C. to watch the congressional hearings of our Governor Rick Snyder. I know this is probably an odd request but I would love for a chance to meet you or your wife. My mom said chances are you will be too busy with more important things, but there is a lot of people coming on these buses and even just a meeting from you or your wife would really lift people’s spirits.”

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Obama responded to the letter via a post on Medium, accepting the invitation and thanking the little activist for using her voice. “You’re right that Presidents are often busy, but the truth is, in America, there is no more important title than citizen. And I am so proud of you for using your voice to speak out on behalf of the children of Flint.” The President continued by accepting her invite and assuring Copeny that he would use his voice “to call for change and help lift up your community.”

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LuLu Brezzell, Copeny’s mother, told the Washington Post that despite being overwhelmed about meeting the President she hasn’t stopped smiling. “We’ve always taught her to stand up for what she believes in and to use her voice,” Brezzell said.

Obama plans to visit Flint on May 4th.

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