11-Year-Old Naomi Wadler's Speech At The March For Our Lives (Full) | NBC News

Summary

Naomi, an 11-year-old girl, led a walkout at her elementary school to honor African-American girls who were victims of gun violence, such as Courtland Arrington, Hadiya Pendleton, and Tiana Thompson. She emphasized the underrepresentation of black girls in media coverage of gun violence, advocating for their stories to be told and remembered. Naomi refuted claims that she was too young to understand or that adults influenced her actions, asserting her own awareness of inequality. She concluded by urging others to help write a new narrative, ensuring these girls are never forgotten.

Takeaways

• 👧 Naomi, an 11-year-old, and her friend Carter led a walkout at their elementary school.
• 🕒 They walked out for 18 minutes, adding one extra minute to honor Courtland Arrington, an African-American girl killed by gun violence in Alabama.
• 💔 Naomi aims to represent the stories of African-American girls who are victims of gun violence but don't receive widespread media attention.
• 📰 She highlights how these stories don’t make front-page news or lead the evening broadcasts.
• 📊 Naomi speaks on behalf of African-American women who have become mere statistics rather than being recognized as individuals full of potential.
• 🎙️ Naomi acknowledges her privilege in having a platform to share these stories, a privilege not afforded to the girls she represents.
• 🗣️ She emphasizes that people have doubted her ability to form these opinions, but she and her peers understand injustice and inequality.
• 🏛️ Naomi mentions they are seven years away from having the right to vote and are aware of the importance of their voices.
• 📖 She references Toni Morrison's quote, urging people to write untold stories, especially those of women of color lost to gun violence.
• ✍️ Naomi calls for collective action to ensure these girls and women are never forgotten, encouraging others to help rewrite the narrative.

Q & A

Who is Naomi, and how old is she?

Naomi is an 11-year-old student who led a walkout at her elementary school to protest gun violence.

What was the purpose of the walkout Naomi and her friend Carter led?

The walkout lasted 18 minutes, with the extra minute added to honor Courtland Arrington, an African-American girl who was a victim of gun violence in Alabama after the Parkland shooting.

Who does Naomi say she is representing in her speech?

Naomi is representing Courtland Arrington, Hadiya Pendleton, Tiana Thompson, and other African-American girls whose stories are often overlooked in the media.

What message is Naomi trying to convey about African-American women and girls affected by gun violence?

Naomi emphasizes that African-American women and girls who are victims of gun violence are often reduced to mere statistics rather than being remembered as vibrant individuals with potential. She is urging people to recognize their stories and acknowledge their importance.

How does Naomi describe her privilege in the context of this protest?

Naomi acknowledges that she is privileged because her voice is being heard, and she uses this opportunity to give a voice to those who have been forgotten.

What does Naomi say to people who doubt the authenticity of her thoughts?

Naomi responds to critics who say she is too young or is being used by adults, stating that she and her friends know the difference between right and wrong and understand the inequalities in life.

What significant point does Naomi make about her future and the future of her peers?

Naomi mentions that she and her friends have seven short years until they have the right to vote, highlighting the urgency of becoming informed and engaged in societal issues.

How does Naomi use a quote from Toni Morrison in her speech?

Naomi quotes Toni Morrison, saying, 'If there is a book that you want to read but it hasn’t been written yet, you must be the one to write it.' She urges people to help her tell the untold stories of girls and women of color affected by gun violence.

What call to action does Naomi present to the audience?

Naomi calls on everyone to join her in telling the stories of African-American women and girls who were murdered at disproportionate rates, ensuring that they are never forgotten.

What does Naomi's speech say about the representation of African-American girls in national media?

Naomi points out that the stories of African-American girls who are victims of gun violence do not make the front page of national newspapers or lead on the evening news, which she believes needs to change.