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The world's biggest march to protest gun violence saw many emotional highs. One, 14000 pairs of shoes were placed in a park outside Capitol Hill in memory of children killed due to gun violence. The 24th March 24 'March For Our Lives events' saw the rise of a young voice, activist Naomi Wadler who took stage not just to protest gun violence but also acknowledge the absence of reporting of such violence against African American girls. This led to a surge in protesters coming together, especially young people and teens in the heart of Washington D.C.
Women gathered across the nation. Among them 11-year-old Naomi Wadler stood out with a powerful and heartfelt speech.
“I am here today to acknowledge and represent the African-American girls whose stories don’t make the front page of every national newspaper. These stories don’t lead on the evening news,” Wadler roared at the Washington D.C. March for Our Lives rally.
Our sons and daughters shouldn’t fear for their lives while at school. I’m proud of all the young people who are peacefully organizing to say enough is enough. This is your time. We are with you. #MarchForOurLives
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) March 25, 2018
In the wake of advocating against gun violence, a pool of women and girls marched on Saturday to having important discussions over stricter gun control laws in America causing epidemic of gun violence.
so inspired. #MarchForOurLives pic.twitter.com/G94V5Y2D36
— Princess Pia Mia (@PrincessPiaMia) March 25, 2018
“I represent the African-American women who are victims of gun violence, who are simply statistics, instead of vibrant, beautiful girls, full of potential,” Wadler added acknowledging all the black girls and women who held victims of gun violence and gone unnoticed in the media.
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The powerhouse, Wadler, 11, had a powerful impact when started her speech. Nobody would have thought of hearing such an inspirational standup, especially not from a fifth grader at least.
Activist Wadler, who won over the crowd in Washington, hails from Alexandria, Virginia. She led a walkout at her school, George Mason Elementary School in Alexandria on March 14. She organized the event in honour of the 17 victims who died in the Parkland, Fla. school shooting and Courtlin Arrington.
PHOTOS of #MarchForOurLives: Protesters march in D.C. for gun control
— POLITICO (@politico) March 25, 2018
https://t.co/zYKM3xLrIL pic.twitter.com/bjEOusZvd4
Like Wadler many students headed to the movement. While praising the power of fellow youth who could champion any mission if driven by determination, she hailed, “My friends and I might still be 11, and we might still be in elementary school but . . . we also know that we stand in the shadow of the Capitol, and we know that we have seven short years until we too have the right to vote.”
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Watch Wadler’s speech taking over the social media during this weekend:
11-year old Naomi Wadler: "I am here to acknowledge and represent the African-American girls whose stories don't make the front page of every national newspaper, whose stories don't lead on the evening news." #MarchForOurLives (via CBS) pic.twitter.com/o6UkEuxemd
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) March 24, 2018
She told the crowd. “For far too long, these black girls and women have been just numbers. I am here to say never again for those girls too. I am here to say everyone should value those girls too.”
This sign deserves a pulitzer #marchforourlives (📸 @claremarienyc) pic.twitter.com/9qHcEjbhq6
— Liz Plank, MSc. phD in adhd & depression (@feministabulous) March 24, 2018
The big march came in the wake after a shootout when an African American teenager was shot dead in her Alabama high school after the Parkland shooting.
“People have said that I am too young to have these thoughts on my own. People have said that I am a tool of some nameless adult. It’s not true.”
Other speeches that are worth listening to:
Emma Gonzalez.
— Michael Skolnik (@MichaelSkolnik) March 24, 2018
The entire speech.
Watch. All. Of. It. #MarchForOurLives pic.twitter.com/AK47lWEkAM
Naturally, Netizens wouldn't stop saluting the young activist and her guts:
Naomi Wadler is currently standing in the gap for all of the black girls and black women who are victims of gun violence. All the black girls and Black women who don’t get a hashtag and who don’t become front page news. Thank you Naomi. #MarchForOurLives
— Symone D. Sanders (@SymoneDSanders) March 24, 2018
Naomi Wadler is an incredibly poised 11-year-old. “We know it’s only seven short years until we have the right to vote.”
— Lydia Polgreen (@lpolgreen) March 24, 2018
Me as an elementary school student: when does Teletubies come on?
— Tifini Kamara (@TifiniK) March 24, 2018
Elementary students now: Hi, I’m basically an adult and don’t have time for your games. #MarchForOurLives #NaomiWadler
Just saw an elementary school student speak more eloquently than @realDonaldTrump #marchforourlives #NaomiWadler
— Sinead O'Rebellion (@DWhitINger) March 24, 2018
The single most powerful political speech of 2018...was just delivered by an ELEVEN year old girl! Her name is #NaomiWadler. You’ll hear from her again. #MarchForOurLives
— Krown City King (@KrownCityKing) March 24, 2018
Go #NaomiWadler 11-yrs old and walking and talking with grace and beauty, the intelligence that is unreal, and the very, very critical message that could not have had a better messenger!! #MarchForOurLives
— Britt Weinstock (@DrBrittW) March 24, 2018
Celebrities showed their support for rally goers across the country participating in the #MarchforOurLives on Saturday, demanding action from lawmakers on gun violence and school safety. https://t.co/fXh4SJH1Oy pic.twitter.com/6OH1WqFYnH
— ABC News (@ABC) March 25, 2018
Feature Image Credit: The Cut