Little Miss Flint Named #EBONYPower100 ‘People’s Choice’ Winner—But Isn’t Invited To The Gala

November 28, 2018

Source: Paul Archuleta/Getty Images / Getty

Little Miss Flint Makes The #EBONYPower100

A young activist is being honored for her accomplishments while seemingly simultaneously being snubbed.

EBONY is once again celebrating their “Power 100” honoring the nation’s most influential black people in categories like arts, sports, business, community service, and education. Included in the list are Michelle Obama, Andrew Gillum, Steph Curry, and Cardi B.

This year the publication once again asked the public to vote for their People’s Choice winner and the nominees included “Hidden Figures” challenge creator Taylor Richardson, Lincoln Stephens of the Marcus Graham Project and Little Miss Flint, Mari Copeny.

Ultimately Mari took the top spot after the public voted for the tiny activist whose raised thousands of dollars and donated water to her hometown of Flint, Michigan.

We are honored to announce Mari Copeny as our 2018 #EBONYPower100 People's Choice Award winner! Popularly known as Little Miss Flint, the 11-year-old activist who has been fighting for the children of Flint, Michigan has been chosen for recognition by you!https://t.co/OgnmpeMH6g pic.twitter.com/qV4Kt3eMhE

— EBONY MAGAZINE (@EBONYMag) November 26, 2018

Now, however, it looks like Mari won’t be in attendance at the annual #EBONY100 gala, not because of her age, but because the event is “private” and not open to the public.

After receiving 24k votes and being the #2018EbonyPower100 people’s choice award winner @EBONYMag has told me the Gala is not “open to the public”. Shout out to everyone who voted for me, I was really excited about this, maybe next year I’ll actually make it onto the real list. pic.twitter.com/FLHaCXM7PA

— Mari Copeny (@LittleMissFlint) November 26, 2018

People are outraged and demanding that EBONY let little Mari attend.

.@EBONYMag, don't let @LittleMissFlint down.

We, young people, deserve a seat at every table — and @LittleMissFlint has certainly earned her seat at yours. It isn't enough to just celebrate young people in theory, show up with resources/agency/access. https://t.co/XN5vmhiXN2

— Ziad Ahmed (@ziadtheactivist) November 27, 2018

@EBONYMag if you don't allow @LittleMissFlint to experience this event, after winning and carrying Flint on her back for years, this will go down as one of the biggest snubs of the year. It's all about empowering the youth to impact the future. pic.twitter.com/3zX2P13EXz

— Big Boss (@escapedmatrix) November 27, 2018

The Chris Tucker hosted gala is reportedly taking place this Friday.