Alexis Smith captivated the world when she delivered a speech at the just concluded Miss Kansas competition. After growing up surrounded by domestic violence for most of her life, Smith, the newly crowned Miss Kansas, disclosed that she is utilizing her newly acquired prominence to promote healthy relationships. Her platform is Respect Reclaimed, which advocates for healthy relationships.
Smith, who works overnight shifts as a cardiothoracic intensive care nurse in Wichita, was crowned Miss Kansas on June 8 but shared the interview portion of the contest last week. In a viral video of the interview that has received over 60,000 views on Instagram, she calls out her abuser in an answer to a question.
Smith declares, “My vision as the next Miss Kansas is to eliminate unhealthy and abusive relationships. Matter of fact, some of you in this audience saw me very emotional because my abuser is here today. But that’s not going to stop me from being on this Miss Kansas stage (the audience erupts in cheers) and from representing as the next Miss Kansas!”
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During an interview, the 25-year-old told KSN News, “My family, every single woman in my family, was impacted by domestic violence. At the age of 14, I got in my first relationship, but it was also an abusive relationship that I was in until about 2018, 2019. It’s something that I’m still experiencing and dealing with today.”
She continued, “I took advantage of the Miss Kansas Organization, which truly focuses on empowering women. And me, being a woman who needed that empowerment all my life, being a bystander to domestic violence, a victim, a survivor, and now an advocate as well as a young woman who is educationally driven, I have the opportunity not only to share my story on such a large scale but also go back to school.”
Netizens commended her boldness and lauded her achievement as her actions resonated with many. One said, “We got to see you ACTIVELY showcasing your platform LIVE IN PERSON! My upmost respect to you Miss Alexis. This is beyond any crown, I cannot wait to watch your journey. As someone who grew up around domestic violence, I have chills watching you. You will always have a supporter in me you absolutely ate that.”
Another expressed, “This answer shook me to my CORE that night. The pride we have for you is immense and immeasurable. Speak your truth and speak it loud! #alwaysinyourcorner.”
In a statement to People, Smith highlighted, “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.”
Smith is the third Black person to take the crown. She told KAKE after taking the crown, “I am so excited. Coming in this week I had no idea what the outcome was gonna be but I am so excited to be the next Miss Kansas.”
Smith will represent Kansas at the next Miss America competition in January next year.
