Miss Kansas speaks about domestic violence in competition
Alexis Smith is the new Miss Kansas. In her application interview, the 25-year-old speaks about her vision for healthy relationships. She gets emotional, as her abuser is in the audience.
On June 8, Alexis Smith was crowned Miss Kansas. The 25-year-old is the third Black woman to have won the title. A special moment from the competition is making headlines in social media.
It was a clip from the interview where each contestant introduced themselves. On the shining blue stage, Smith stands and is asked how she would use her role as a brand ambassador if she wins.
The young woman answers, her vision is to "eliminate unhealthy and abusive relationships." "Some in the audience have seen that I was very emotional because my abuser is here today," answered Smith. "But that won't stop me from being a part of the Miss Kansas competition and being the next Miss Kansas. Because I and my community deserve healthy relationships."
On July 16, a clip of this moment was shared on Smith's official X-Account, which then went viral. Alongside the clip were the words "Respect Reclaimed!" - a reference to her charitable platform - and the message "It's our time for healthy relationships."
"Witness, Victim, Survivor"
Smith did not mention who was in the audience. "The evening of the Miss Kansas competition took an unexpected turn when someone, whom I had to recover from, tried to disturb my peace," she later wrote on Facebook. "Instead of falling silent, I decided to live out my vision of a better world. I took back my power - not just for myself, but for my dreams and for all those who are watching and listening."
Every single woman in her family has been affected by domestic violence, she said to KSN. "I had my first relationship at 14, but it was also an abusive relationship, which I was in until about 2018, 2019." She is still fighting against it. "I have used the opportunity of the Miss Kansas Organization, which really focuses on empowering women," she added. "And I, a woman who has needed this empowerment my whole life - a witness to domestic violence, a victim, a survivor, and now a spokesperson and young woman with educational interests - have the opportunity to not only share my story on such a large scale but also to go back to school."
The post, which has over 53,000 views, received praise from countless social media users. "You're doing it, girl. You make me proud of my home state," wrote one user, while another replied: "I'm getting goosebumps. She is incredible!" Another added: "What a remarkable way to regain power. I got goosebumps. I know there are other survivors who are watching and know they are not alone."
In the wake of her powerful statement during the Miss Kansas competition, Alexis Smith's social media posts have sparked international conversations about domestic violence. As a survivor and advocate, she has used her platform to encourage healthy relationships and inspire other women worldwide.
Despite facing her abuser in a domestic violence situation, Alexis Smith, the Miss Kansas, has shown resilience, using social networks to promote her mission and empower other women, especially in the United States of America.
