An 8-year-old girl from Flint, Michigan's letter to President Barack Obama got answered in a big way on Wednesday when the president announced he was coming to meet her.
According to the White House's channel at Medium.com, 8-year-old Mari Copeny -- known around her town as "Little Miss Flint" -- wrote to the president asking him to address the poisoning of Flint's water, which became contaminated with lead through corruption and bureaucratic negligence.
"I am one of the children that is effected by this water, and I’ve been doing my best to march in protest and to speak out for all the kids that live here in Flint," Copeny wrote.
The girl went on to say that she is traveling to Washington, DC this week and would like the chance to meet with the president or First Lady Michelle Obama even though, "My mom said chances are you will be too busy with more important things."
Obama wrote back to Copeny, saying, "Thank you for writing to me. You’re right that Presidents are often busy, but the truth is, in America, there is no more important title than citizen. And I am so proud of you for using your voice to speak out on behalf of the children of Flint."
He continued, "That’s why I want you to be the first to know that I’m coming to visit Flint on May 4th. I want to make sure people like you and your family are receiving the help you need and deserve."
"Letters from kids like you are what make me so optimistic for the future," the president wrote. "I hope to meet you next week, 'Little Miss Flint.'”
A statement from the White House said, "On Wednesday, May 4th, the President will travel to Flint, Michigan where he will hear first-hand from Flint residents like Mari about the public health crisis, receive an in-person briefing on the federal efforts in place to help respond to the needs of the people of Flint, and speak directly with members of the Flint community."
