Brave 8-Year-Old Activist Persuades Former President to Visit Flint

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After receiving a heartfelt letter from a young girl, the former president, Barack Obama, took the time to visit Flint, Michigan, a city grappling with a severe water crisis. This dilemma became a nightmare for many families when the water source was switched in 2014, leading to lead-contaminated water and affecting thousands of children. No parent should have to endure such a distressing situation.

Enter 8-year-old Ava Thompson, known affectionately as “Little Miss Flint.” With more courage than most adults, she reached out to the President, asking him to come to her city. Instead of declining, he decided to visit Flint last Wednesday.

The Flint Water Crisis

To give you a little background, the Flint water crisis began when the city changed its water supply from Detroit’s system to its own treatment plant, sourcing from the Flint River. Unfortunately, this led to increased lead levels in the water, which doctors soon linked to alarming health issues in children. Once the damage became clear, Flint switched back to Detroit’s water system, but the harm was already done. Many homes in Flint now have corroded pipes and require filters to make their water safe for consumption.

Ava, who has been using her voice to advocate for the children in her town, wrote to President Obama expressing her plight. In her letter, she shared, “I am one of the children affected by this water, and I’ve been marching in protest to speak out for all the kids that live here in Flint. This Thursday, I will be riding a bus to Washington, D.C., to watch the congressional hearings of our Governor.” She sweetly asked if he could spare a moment to meet with her, acknowledging that he might be too busy.

But President Obama, being the incredible leader he is, turned the tables and promised to visit her in Flint instead. In his response, he said: “Thank you for writing to me. You’re right that Presidents are often busy, but in America, there is no more important title than citizen. I’m proud of you for using your voice for the children of Flint.” He then announced his visit on May 4th, pledging to ensure families like Ava’s receive the help they need.

The Meeting

When they finally met, the moment was captured on video, showcasing the warmth of their encounter. Ava couldn’t contain her excitement as she leaped into his arms, sharing how she had written to him. Obama assured her he would mention her in his speech, and he did. “When something like this happens, a young girl shouldn’t have to go to Washington to be heard. The President should come to Flint to meet with her,” he remarked.

Their charming photo-op was delightful to witness, yet the serious nature of his visit should not be overlooked. Flint has been neglected, forced to drink water that is literally poison. It’s vital that the nation continues to pay attention to Flint, ensuring such a travesty never occurs again. The long-term effects of this crisis will be felt for years, with lead poisoning causing irreversible damage, including potential declines in IQ and increased behavioral issues. The city needs sustained attention from top officials to secure the resources necessary for rebuilding.

Hopefully, President Obama will continue to champion Flint’s cause even after leaving office—it’s hard to think of a more deserving mission. For more insightful tips on this topic, check out our piece on fertility resources, and if you’re considering home insemination, Make A Mom has excellent tools to help you on your journey.

In summary, 8-year-old Ava Thompson, known as “Little Miss Flint,” bravely reached out to President Obama about the Flint water crisis and inspired him to visit her city. Their meeting highlighted the urgent need for continued support and awareness of the ongoing struggles faced by Flint’s residents.