Mari Copeny (OG).Mari Copeny
Mari Copeny, also known as "Little Miss Flint," is a prominent American activist born on July 6, 2007, in Flint, Michigan. At just six years old, she became a key voice in addressing the Flint water crisis, which resulted from a decision to switch the city's water supply, leading to severe lead contamination and health issues for residents. Copeny's impactful 2016 letter to President Obama brought national attention to the crisis, prompting his visit and the allocation of federal funds for water system repairs. Beyond her initial advocacy, Copeny has continued to champion various social justice causes, including serving as a national youth ambassador for the Women's March and engaging in anti-bullying initiatives.
Through her social media presence, Copeny has mobilized young people for activism, raising over $700,000 for community projects and launching a successful water filter initiative to combat the ongoing water issues. Her efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including the Change Maker Award at the Billboard Music Awards. Copeny’s journey illustrates the significant impact of youth activism and her role as a model for future generations advocating for justice and community well-being.
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Mari Copeny
- Born: July 6, 2007
Background
American activist Amariyanna “Mari” Copeny, affectionately known as "Little Miss Flint," was born on July 6, 2007, in Flint, Michigan. When she was six years old, Michigan officials decided to change the Flint, Michigan, water supply from Lake Huron and the Detroit River to the Flint River to save money. This decision led to widespread lead contamination in the water supply, causing severe health issues for the residents of Flint. Residents soon noticed that the water had a foul odor and color, as well as an odd taste. They reported unexplained rashes and hair loss. The high levels of bacteria and lead caused an outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease that killed twelve people and sickened at least seventy-nine. Legionnaires’ Disease is a type of pneumonia caused by bacteria. Furthermore, the crisis disproportionately affected children, who experienced firsthand the devastating effects of lead poisoning.
In 2016, Copeny sent a letter to President Barack Obama, detailing the struggles her community faced due to the contaminated water. She asked that he or First Lady Michelle Obama visit Flint, Michigan, to meet with residents. President Obama received the letter and traveled to Flint. His visit garnered national attention, and he ultimately authorized $100 million in federal aid to repair the area’s water system and address the water crisis. Copeny said that through her letter, she learned that one person can make a difference.
Life’s Work
Although Copeny is arguably most well-known for her letter that brought national attention to the water quality in Flint, Michigan, her advocacy work continued and expanded into other areas as she grew older. In 2017, she became a national youth ambassador for the Women’s March on Washington and the National Climate March. She worked with Trendsetters Productions, an anti-bullying group, and was a member of the Flint Youth Justice League. She also became active in the 18xEighteen program, which encourages young people to be creative and politically active while advocating for issues that impact them. The program was created in 2018 by actress and activist Yara Shahidi to encourage youth to become engaged in politics and vote. Copeny has said she considers Shahidi a mentor.
Using social media, Copeny worked to motivate and mobilize young people to become more active in social justice causes. In 2019, she won a Shorty Award for activism. The Shorty Awards were founded in 2008 to recognize the power of social media and those who create it. Indeed, by 2024, Copeny had more than 146,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter) and nearly 200,000 followers on Instagram, which she used to raise awareness and conduct fundraising efforts.
One of Copeny's most significant accomplishments has been her fundraising efforts. She raised over $700,000 for her Flint Kids projects, which include distributing over 19,000 backpacks filled with school supplies, organizing annual Christmas events with thousands of toys, and providing Easter baskets to those in need. She also raised over $250,000 to distribute more than a million bottles of water to Flint residents.
Copeny likewise continued her advocacy for the residents of Flint and of communities facing similar water issues. In 2019, she partnered with Hydroviv, a water filtration company, to create her own water filter. This initiative not only provided a sustainable solution to the water crisis but also helped lessen the environmental impact of single-use plastic bottles. Copeny raised over $700,000 to produce and distribute the filters nationwide.
Copeny's advocacy work has led her to various platforms, where she has spoken about the Flint water crisis and its broader implications. She has addressed large crowds at events like the March for Science, where she highlighted the importance of scientific research in addressing environmental issues. Her speeches are characterized by her youthful honesty and unwavering commitment to justice, making it difficult for political leaders to ignore the consequences of neglectful leadership.
Impact
Mari Copeny’s story is a testament to the power of youth activism. Copeny was one of the earliest activists to bring the Flint, Michigan, water crisis to the attention of people in the United States and throughout the world. Her 2016 letter ultimately resulted in federal funds being allotted to repair the water system in Flint, and her ongoing support for her community has made her a role model for young people worldwide. In 2022, Copeny became the youngest person to ever receive the Change Maker Award at the Billboard Music Awards. She was also named to the Ebony Power 100 General Next list and as an honoree on Black Enterprise’s 40 under 40 list.
Personal Life
Copeny lived with her family in Flint, Michigan. She considered Martin Luther King Jr., Barack Obama, and her older sister, Blair, as her role models.
Bibliography
“About Mari,” Mari Copeny, www.maricopeny.com/about. Accessed 29 Aug. 2024.
Anderson, Zuri. “The Achievements of Mari Copeny, The Voice of Flint Water Crisis,” Black Information Network, 22 Mar. 2021, www.binnews.com/content/2021-03-22-the-achievements-of-mari-copeny-the-face-voice-of-flint-water-crisis/. Accessed 9 May 2023.
Lowry, Mary Pauline. “This Is How One Sixth Grade Girl Helped Improve Flint’s Water Crisis,” Oprah Daily, 11 Dec. 2018, www.oprahdaily.com/life/a25383285/mari-copeny-barack-obama-flint-water-crisis/. Accessed 9 May 2023.
Mason, Heather. “Meet Smart Girl Mari Copeny AKA ‘Little Miss Flint’,” Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls, 22 Aug. 2017, amysmartgirls.com/meet-smart-girl-mari-copeny-aka-little-miss-flint-4131419a31bd. Accessed 9 May 2023.
Mixon, Imani. "Mari Copeny Is More Than Little Miss Flint: An Activist Grows Up." Teen Vogue, 22 Apr. 2024, www.teenvogue.com/story/mari-copeney-little-miss-flint-activist-grows-up. Accessed 29 Aug. 2024.
Rayford, Rayna Reid. “’'Little Miss Flint’ Mari Copeny to Receive Award at 2022 Billboard Music Awards,” Essence, 6 May 2022, www.essence.com/news/mari-copeny-billboard-awards/. Accessed 9 May 2023.
Romain, Lindsey. “Little Miss Flint Talks About the Water Crisis, Meeting Obama,” Teen Vogue, 7 Feb. 2017, www.teenvogue.com/story/little-miss-flint-talks-about-the-water-crisis-meeting-obama. Accessed 8 May 2022.