Courageous Woman #20: Naomi Wadler

The Young Activist Amplifying Voices That Need to Be Heard

At just 11 years old, Naomi Wadler stood before thousands at the 2018 March for Our Lives rally in Washington, D.C., and delivered a speech that shook the world. With eloquence and conviction beyond her years, she called attention to the gun violence disproportionately affecting Black women and girls – an issue too often overlooked in national conversations.

Naomi is not just an activist; she is a force for change, proving that age is no barrier to leadership. Her story is a testament to the power of young voices, courage, and standing up for what is right.


Finding Her Voice in the Fight for Justice

Born in 2006, Naomi Wadler grew up in Virginia, where she developed a passion for social justice early on. In the wake of the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Naomi and a classmate organized a student walkout at her elementary school to protest gun violence.

Unlike other walkouts, Naomi added an extra minute of silence to honor Black women and girls whose stories of gun violence often go unnoticed. That decision—small but powerful—set her apart as a leader determined to amplify unheard voices.

Her bold activism caught national attention, leading her to the stage at March for Our Lives, where her speech became one of the most impactful moments of the event.


A Powerful Voice for the Voiceless

Naomi Wadler has continued using her platform to address issues of racial justice, gun violence, and the erasure of Black women in media and activism. She has:

  • Spoken at global events like the Women in the World Summit, sharing her perspective on intersectional justice.
  • Partnered with organizations advocating for marginalized communities and raising awareness about systemic violence.
  • Inspired a new generation of young activists to take action, proving that youth voices matter.

She refuses to let the world ignore the struggles of Black women and girls, challenging media, policymakers, and society to do better.


Lessons from Naomi Wadler’s Activism

  1. You’re Never Too Young to Make a Difference: Naomi’s activism proves that courage and leadership have no age limit. If you see something wrong, speak up – your voice is powerful.
  2. Representation Matters: By insisting that the names of Black women and girls be remembered, Naomi reminds us that justice is incomplete without inclusion.
  3. Silence is a Choice—Choose to Speak Up: Naomi could have stayed quiet, but instead, she chose action. Her story is a call to all of us to use our voices for change.

A Future Leader in the Making

Naomi Wadler once said, “I am here today to acknowledge and represent the African American girls whose stories don’t make the front page of every national newspaper.”

Her fearless advocacy is a powerful reminder that change starts with speaking up – even if you’re the youngest one in the room. As she continues to grow and lead, one thing is clear: Naomi is shaping the future of activism, and the world is listening.


What Can We Learn from Naomi?

How has Naomi Wadler’s activism inspired you? Share your thoughts in the comments as we celebrate her courage, leadership, and commitment to justice. Let’s lift up young voices and remind the world that every voice matters.


Discover more from Courageous Women

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a comment