“Little Miss Flint” Mari Copeny is Fighting For Her Hometown

"Just Be Cause” is our interview series where celebs, activists, and influencers answer alternating questions about social change (“cause”) and about who they are as a person (“just because”).

At 12 years old, Mari Copeny has spent a third of her life advocating for change in her hometown of Flint, Michigan. It all started when Mari wrote to then-President Barack Obama about the ongoing Flint water crisis, urging him to do something about the toxins contaminating their water. He accepted Mari’s invitation to meet with her, garnering national attention to Flint and the struggles of its residents.

The water crisis still isn’t over, and Mari is demanding that the world not forget about Flint and other towns affected. She continues to empower young people nationwide to make their voices heard in the fight for equal opportunity. Over the past few years Mari has also been a Youth Ambassador for the Women’s March on Washington, Equality for HER, and the People’s Climate March (plus she’s one of DoSomething’s 2019 Youth Empower Players). Find out more about “Little Miss Flint” in our interview below, where she tells us about her sources of inspiration, hopes for the future, and favorite memes.

(Help celebrate Mari’s bday! Tweet her a birthday message, consider contributing to the Flint Water Fund, or pick up a Don’t Forget Flint t-shirt.)

What moment or experience made you want to change the world?

The point where I couldn't take a bath anymore.

What is the last show or movies that you binge watched?

All the episodes of Sailor Moon.

Who or what gives you hope for the future?

Galen Miller at the nonprofit Pack Your Back.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Sleeping.

Do you have any nicknames?

One of them is Little Miss Flint. I have a nickname that my best friend gave to me -- she called me cupcake, but I don't like that. My dad calls me MoMo.

What are three things you would do on a perfect day?

Watch anime, draw, and watch videos.

Who is your role model?

President Obama.

What is your secret talent?

I actually do flips and tumble. I can do a roundoff back handspring.

What issue or cause should more people be talking about?

The American water crisis.

What fictional character are you most like?

Deku from My Hero Academia. Even though he didn't have a superpower, he still managed to not give up and accomplish his dreams.

What young person or group of young people inspires you the most?

Yara Shahidi.

What is your favorite meme?

I have tons of favorite memes. The first meme I like is the big chungus. The second is the Duolingo bird. My third favorite meme would have to be all the T series memes.

What is something you read, watch, or listen to that makes you feel inspired or empowered?

I read manga. I listen to a bunch of random theme songs. The Thomas the Tank Engine theme song is on my Spotify playlist.

Who or what is guaranteed to make you laugh?

Myself. Nobody else thinks I'm funny, but I think I am.

What's the biggest change you'd like to see in the world in the next five years?

That people recycle and no more turtles get hurt. No more animals getting killed by plastic!

What's your most overused emoji?

I don't really use emojis, but I think it would be the cat laughing.

What advice would you give to other young people who want to make a difference?

That your voice can be heard, and even if you're big, small, old, young, it doesn't really matter. You can still make a change in the world.

In three words, how are you feeling right now?

Happy, excited, and jumpy.