Mari Copeny will be receiving a special honor for her extraordinary efforts to better the Flint, MI community.
According to Billboard, Copeny, 14, will become a Billboard Music Awards Changemaker at the upcoming “2022 Billboard Music Awards” (BBMAs), joining former recipients like Trae The Truth and Killer Mike.
Statement From Mari Copeny:
“I’m excited to be honored by the Billboard Music Awards for my community efforts and commitment to highlight America’s water issues. I’m hopeful that this inspires others to fight for what’s right, even when no one else is looking.”
Copeny's Efforts Over The Years To Better Flint, Michigan
Copeny’s honor is well deserved, as the distinction is given to those who use their platforms to better communities by shedding light on prominent issues through leadership and charitable efforts.
As AfroTech previously reported, the young advocate garnered national attention after writing a letter to President Obama requesting a visit to Flint, due to their ongoing water crisis. Not only did President Obama adhere to her request, but he also approved a $100 million budget to provide aid to Flint.
And, Little Miss Flint’s efforts did not stop there.
Copeny has since raised over $250,000 from crowdfunding campaigns and provided over one million water bottles to her community. In addition, Copeny has raised nearly $600,000 for her Flint Kids Project and distributed over 17,000 backpacks stocked with school supplies.
What’s more, Copeny was named to the U.S. Delegation to the 65th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women. She made history as she became the youngest delegate to be chosen.
Copeny is also a Youth Ambassador to the Women’s March on Washington, a member of voting initiative 18 x Eighteen, and a member of the Michigan Department of Education Student Anti-racism advisory board.
