A long list of people have either sent support to or actually touched down in Flint, Michigan following the recent water crisis that affected so many of its citizens. But an 8-year-old girl may be responsible for bringing the biggest name yet.

Mari Copeny, unofficially known as “Little Miss Flint,” wrote a letter to President Barack Obama if she could meet him or the first lady during her visit to Washington D.C. In a response, Obama did her one better and said that he’s proud of her for speaking out “on behalf of children of Flint” and gave her an exclusive heads up that he’ll be visiting on May 4. 

Read the full letters, published by the White House, on Medium and take a look at some excerpts from both below.

Hello my name is Mari Copeny and I’m 8 years old, I live in Flint, Michigan and I’m more commonly known around town as “Little Miss Flint”. 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. This Thursday I will be riding a bus to Washington, D.C. to watch the congressional hearings of our Governor Rick Snyder. I know this is probably an odd request but I would love for a chance to meet you or your wife.

President Obama made sure to respond to the 8-year-old’s request.

Dear Mari:

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.

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. Like you, I’ll use my voice to call for change and help lift up your community.

Letters from kids like you are what make me so optimistic for the future. I hope to meet you next week, “Little Miss Flint.”

Sincerely,
Barack Obama

Photo Courtesy: Twitter