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Teen's Bracelets Unite World Against Hate
25 Sep
Summary
- Minnesota teen founded a campaign to combat hate through remembrance.
- She has created and distributed 100,000 bracelets globally.
- A tree sapling from Anne Frank's tree now grows in her hometown.
A Minnesota teenager, Natalie Flaherty, has been honored with the 2026 Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes for her impactful initiative, 'I Stand With Anne.' Launched when she was just 10 years old, the campaign transforms Holocaust remembrance into tangible action against hate.
Flaherty began by making bracelets that read "I Stand With Anne, Put a Stop to Hate," inspired by Anne Frank's diary. These bracelets have since reached every U.S. state and over 50 countries, with 100,000 distributed worldwide. Her advocacy also led to a sapling from the iconic Anne Frank chestnut tree being planted near her hometown's high school.
At 12 years old, Flaherty's efforts extended to working with museums, nonprofits, and politicians. She successfully lobbied for May 29th to be declared "Stand with Anne Day" in conjunction with the tree planting. This recognition from the Gloria Barron Prize celebrates her leadership and the significant positive impact she has made.
Flaherty plans to invest her prize money, resume bracelet distribution, save for higher education, and continue advocating for educational reform against hate. She encourages others to embrace kindness and knowledge, embody her message by wearing the bracelets, and speak positive words to combat hate's ripple effect.
