{"id":628293,"date":"2024-07-21T05:08:11","date_gmt":"2024-07-21T02:08:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/miss-kansas-goes-viral-for-powerful-pageant-declaration\/"},"modified":"2024-07-21T05:08:11","modified_gmt":"2024-07-21T02:08:11","slug":"miss-kansas-goes-viral-for-powerful-pageant-declaration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/miss-kansas-goes-viral-for-powerful-pageant-declaration\/","title":{"rendered":"#Miss Kansas Goes Viral for Powerful Pageant Declaration"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

A moment from the 2024 Miss Kansas pageant is making the rounds on social media<\/a>, which featured a powerful onstage revelation.\n<\/p>\n

Alexis Smith, of Butler County, was officially crowned Miss Kansas on June 8, beating out 25 other contestants for the title, according to CBS affiliate KWCH-DT<\/a> and Garden City Telegram<\/em><\/a>.\n<\/p>\n

Smith, 25, is just the third Black woman to win the title, per ABC affiliate KAKE<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n

During the interview portion<\/a> of the contest, which Smith shared on social media, she firmly stated her goal as Miss Kansas would be to \u201celiminate unhealthy and abusive relationships.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

She then made a stunning declaration: \u201cSome of you out in this audience saw me very emotional, because my abuser is here today.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

\u201cBut that’s not going to stop me from being on this Miss Kansas stage and representing as the next Miss Kansas,” she continued. “I and my community deserve healthy relationships. We deserve a domestic [violence]-free life.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

On July 16, a clip of the moment got shared on Smith’s official X account, which then went viral.\n<\/p>\n

Alongside the clip read the words, \u201cRespect Reclaimed!\u201d \u2014 a reference to her community service platform \u2014 as well as the message, \u201cOur time is now for healthy relationships.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

Never miss a story \u2014 sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter<\/a> to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news<\/a> to compelling human interest stories.<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n

Alexis Smith.<\/span>
\nMiss Kansas Organization & Bill Rea<\/p>\n

<\/span>
\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The post, which has over 53 thousand views, drew praise from countless social media users.<\/p>\n

“YOU GO GIRL. YOU make me proud of my home state ” wrote one commenter, while another replied, “I just got chills. She’s amazing!”\n<\/p>\n

Added a third, “What an amazing way to take your power back. I got goosebumps. I know there are other victims watching her now knowing they aren\u2019t alone.”\n<\/p>\n

In a statement to PEOPLE, Smith says that: \u201cAs Miss Kansas, my platform is deeply rooted in empowering people to break free from cycles of domestic violence and unhealthy relationships. My answer on stage reflects my commitment to fostering a world where every individual feels safe, valued, and empowered to thrive.”\n<\/p>\n

“Through the Miss America program, I have found a powerful platform to amplify my voice and advocate for those who may feel silenced or alone,” Smith adds. “I will use my story as a catalyst for change kicking open doors to inspire others and create a society where everyone can live free from fear and abuse.\u201d\n<\/p>\n