Radical activism, in its simplest form, means taking steps to achieve justice in one’s daily life. This young female, Mari Copeny, exemplifies radical activism and gives me hope for the future leaders of America. As is showcased by the artifacts selected, Copeny, otherwise known as Little Miss Flint, is a young activist, 11 years old, holding politicians accountable since she was 8. In the thick of the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, Copeny mailed a letter to President Barack Obama in an attempt to draw his attention to the problems residents were facing. Since then she has continued to use her voice, and the voices of those who stand by her side, to bring awareness to the families in her community who have been affected. Copeny is vocal on social media, tweeting at politicians when she disagrees with them, and making sure people are still talking about the Flint water crisis and its long-lasting effects on residents. Additionally, Copeny led a GoFundMe to raise over $200,000 to provide cases of bottled water and worked with the nonprofit Pack Your Back to distribute more than 10,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to students throughout Flint.

I chose Copeny because I believe the most important activism comes from the youngest individuals. Children, like Copeny, are able to use their voices to garner sympathy from individuals and, when starting young, they are able to lead a life of change. The artifacts selected showcase the ways in which Copeny was able to garner attention, by directly reaching out to the highest person in charge, and continues to do so by making use of social media, primarily Twitter. As our forms of communication evolve, it is those that evolve with them that will be able to make a change.

 

Mari Copeny’s activism began at the age of 8 with a letter to President Barack Obama. In the letter she acknowledged her ability to stand up for herself, and her community, and urged the President to “lift people’s spirits.”

 

After gaining fame and meeting with President Obama, Copeny continued her activism by raising money for water and school supplies for members of her community. Given the lack of actions taken by politicians, this shows a shift in Copeny, and surely her friends and family, taking matters into her own hands.

 

The last two artifacts work together in that they show Copeny’s transition into social media and her willingness to call out current politicians, such as President Trump, and the supporters who are willing to give money for the building of an immigration wall. In knowing the power of social media, turning to Twitter as a form of activism allows Copeny to speak to community members, especially the younger communities, in a more accessible manner.