The newly crowned Miss Kansas denounced her abuser, who appeared in the audience as she was selected to represent the Sunflower State at next year’s Miss America pageant.
Alexis SmithThe 25-year-old promised to leave the “unhealthy and abusive” relationship. As Miss Kansas’ new brand ambassador After winning the competition at Pratt Community College on June 8th.
“My vision as the next Miss Kansas is to end unhealthy and abusive relationships,” Smith said onstage. Which share On her X account“Some of you in the audience may have seen me getting very emotional today because my abuser is here with us.”
“But that’s not going to stop me from taking to the Miss Kansas stage and representing them as the next Miss Kansas because I and my community deserve to have healthy relationships.”
The crowd erupted in thunderous applause and cheers as the contest winner showed courage in publicly calling out her abuser.
Smith, a full-time nurse in the cardiothoracic ICU, elaborated further on her speech after winning the title.
“The night of Miss Kansas, my journey took an unexpected turn as someone I had been healing from attempted to disturb my peace,” Smith later wrote on Facebook. post.
“Instead of remaining silent, I chose to live my vision for a better world. I took my power back — not just for myself, but for my dreams and for all those who are watching and listening.”
She clarified that the call is not to “shun others” but to set an example for “transforming pain into purpose and channeling it in a way that leads to unity and upliftment.”
Mr Smith’s bravery was praised by hundreds of people on social media.
“Thank you so much for speaking the truth!!!! You are inspiring. I hope my daughter meets you and learns to stand up for herself like you do,” one Facebook user commented.
“I couldn’t love you more. Alexis Smith you are an inspiration. Thank you for staying strong and true to yourself,” another user wrote.
Smith also Admitted “Her courage and activism are truly inspiring,” said the Rhode Island Coalition to Prevent Domestic Violence.
The Wichita native, who represented Butler County in the pageant, later revealed that “every woman” in her family has been “affected by domestic violence.”
“I was 14 when I first entered into a romantic relationship, and it was an abusive relationship until about 2018 or 2019,” Smith said. Kenneth“It’s something I still go through and deal with.”
The reigning Miss Kansas said she used the platform, which is “really focused on female empowerment,” to share her own struggles and be a “spokesperson” for others.
“And I’m a woman who’s needed that empowerment my whole life, a bystander, victim and survivor of domestic violence, and now an advocate and a young woman who is passionate about education, so this is an opportunity for me to not only share my story in this big way, but also go back to school.”
Smith beat 26 other contestants to qualify for next year’s Miss America competition in January.
According to KSNW, her platform operates around the theme “Restoring Respect: Advocating for Healthy Relationships.”
