Photo: Miss Kansas
Miss Kansas Alexis Smith is going viral for delivering a powerful speech on domestic violence during the pageant.
In a now-viral video, Smith, who was crowned Miss Kansas in June, gave a powerful speech about her vision for the organization during the pageant's final interview question.
Smith said she would fight against domestic violence before revealing that her abuser was in the audience.
“My vision as the next Miss Kansas is to eliminate unhealthy and abusive relationships,” Smith said. “Matter of fact, some of you out in this audience saw me very emotional because my abuser is here today. But that’s not going to stop me from being on this Miss Kansas stage and from representing as the next Miss Kansas because I and my community deserve healthy relationships.”
In an Instagram post, Smith said the night of the pageant "took an unexpected turn when someone I have been healing from tried to disrupt my peace.”
"Instead of falling into silence, I chose to live out my vision for a better world. I took back my power — not just for myself, but for my dreams and everyone watching and listening,” she added.
Smith noted that sharing her experience wasn't “about shunning others” but instead “turning our pain into purpose and channeling it in a way that unifies and uplifts.”
The recently-crowned Miss Kansas is set to compete in the Miss America pageant in January.
The Black Information Network is your source for Black News! Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.