Miss Michigan Emily Sioma Addresses Flint Water Crisis At Miss America 2019 Pageant [VIDEO]

Miss Michigan Emily Sioma started off her remarks at the Miss America 2019 pageant on Saturday by addressing the water crisis plaguing her home state, particularly the town of Flint.

“From the state with 84% of the United States’ fresh water but none for its residents to drink, I am Miss Michigan Emily Sioma,” said the contestant.

Flint, Michigan, has been hurt in recent years by lead-contaminated drinking water that came as a result of cost-trimming initiatives from local politicians. Dozens of political figures and celebrities like filmmaker Michael Moore — a Flint native — have called attention to the crisis.

Although Sioma did not ultimately win the Miss America title — Miss New York Nia Franklin took the crown this year — she was praised by dozens of people on social media for making the comment immediately rather than tout her personal accomplishments.

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“from the state with 84 percent of the u.s. fresh water but none for its residents to drink, i am miss michigan emily sioma” — the new #missamerica2019 pageant did not come to play pic.twitter.com/H05eifix2e

— alex rees (@maybealexislost) September 10, 2018

Miss Michigan should automatically win #MissAmerica for starting with this! 😳 #Home #GoGirl pic.twitter.com/fdhRILMEtA

— Joel Schipper (@JSchipperWDRB) September 10, 2018

Emily Sioma, @MissAmericaMI wanted to make an impact. Regardless of whether you agree with what she said or not, she is shining light on a pressing issue that we have in our state that and that is STILL not solved.

THAT, is a Miss America.

— bk (@brooklynn_kayy) September 10, 2018

Sioma’s profile on the Miss America website states she graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Women’s Studies.

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This year’s Miss America competition did not include a swimsuit portion for the first time in history.