Biography
Early Life
Naomi Wadler was born in Ethiopia. She was adopted in 2007 by Julie Wadler and Monte Ivey. TShe grew up in Alexandria, Virginia. Her mother worked in political communications. Her family taught her the importance of caring for others and standing up for what is right. They had a strong tradition of helping people and working for change. Her family shaped Naomi’s view of the world and helped her understand her purpose from a young age.
When she was a child Naomi had a strong sense of fairness and wanted to speak out when things were wrong. School wasn’t always easy for her. On one dress-up day, a student told her she couldn’t dress as a queen. They said she could only be a “slave or beggar” because of her skin color. The comment hurt Naomi deeply. Her father comforted her and reminded Naomi of her true worth. That painful moment made Naomi even more determined to speak out against racism and injustice.
Religion & Activism
Wadler practices Judaism. She is proud of her religious and cultural identity. She has talked openly about being both Jewish and Black. This can be challenging. Some peers have discriminated against her. But she has stayed strong in her beliefs. She uses her voice to help others.
Activism means more than just speaking out for Wadler. Her faith drives her work for justice. Her spiritual values inspire her to help those who are often forgotten. She believes that everyone deserves to be seen and heard. Everyone should be valued.
Gun Violence Activism
A tragic school shooting happened in Parkland, Florida in 2018. This event deeply affected Wadler. One of the victims was the daughter of her mother’s friend. Wadler was only in fifth grade then. But she wanted to do something.
Wadler and a classmate organized a school walkout at George Mason Elementary in Alexandria. The walk-out lasted 17 minutes. This was one minute for each Parkland victim. They added one more minute for Courtlin Arrington. She was a Black teenager killed in a different school shooting in Alabama.
Wadler spoke at the March for Our Lives rally in Washington, D.C. that same year. She was just 11 years old. She stood before thousands of people. She spoke out against gun violence and racial inequality. She focused on how violence affects Black girls and women. She felt their voices were often ignored by the media.
Wadler’s speech brought her national attention. She later appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. She also spoke at the Georgia State Capitol. She brings awareness to important issues in every speech and interview. She shows how race and gender shape people’s experiences with violence and unfairness.
Wadler’s courage, faith, and clear vision have made her a young leader. She has a powerful voice for change. She continues to fight for justice and equality.
