Some people, no matter what they’re acutely involving themselves in, just “get it” — and one such person is this year’s Miss Michigan, who recently competed in the national Miss America pageant. While introducing herself at the competition, she called out the ongoing water crisis in her home state, quipping:
‘From the state with 84 percent of the United States’ fresh water but none for its residents to drink, I am Miss Michigan Emily Sioma.’
The Flint, Michigan, water crisis has garnered national headlines, with an entire city facing a perpetually poisoned water supply thanks to ignorant decisions by state authorities.
Sioma’s reference to the controversy is hardly the first time that she’s waded into similar waters.
She’s made advocating for victims of sexual violence her platform for her year as Miss Michigan, having sought to stand up for victims ever since her college graduation, when she protested a speech from former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg that dismissed concerns of those dealing with trauma.
Herself a survivor, she hopes to bring a message to people that they can be heard, no matter what they’ve faced, and — as some in Hollywood have put it — “time’s up” for perpetrators of sexual violence. The “#MeToo” movement continues to knock abusers off their pedestals as time goes on; one of the most recent to be put in their place is Les Moonves, who — until recently — led CBS.
Meanwhile, people like Sioma continue to make their voices heard.
Featured Image via Screenshot from the Video
