Jessica Alba introduced the teen relatives of gun violence victims (opens in new tab) (among them, Alton Sterling's (opens in new tab) son Cameron) at the Teen Choice Awards on Sunday, and it was equal parts emotional and inspiring. The moment was pretty socially aware for a light-hearted show, and speaks to the fact that gun violence touches every corner of our nation.
"Here with me tonight are a group of brave teenagers who share an unlikely bond that's hard to comprehend," Alba said (opens in new tab). "They are the brothers, sisters, daughters and family members of recent victims of gun violence: I'm talking about Aurora, Baton Rogue, Dallas (opens in new tab), Minneapolis, Orlando, San Bernardino, Newtown. It keeps happening, and it has to stop."
"A few weeks ago Cameron's world was turned upside down when he learned his father, Alton Sterling, was killed while selling CDs out of a store in Baton Rogue," Alba continued. "Tonight we stand together with these teens, united in our call for peace and an end to this violence. Now, more than ever, we need to stop, feel, and ask what's going on."
After a performance of "What's Going On" from Ne-Yo, a visibly emotional Alba said that "these teens had the courage to come here and share their grief and tonight, Ne-Yo and I, and all of us here, and all of you watching need to do the same."
It's so important to talk about gun violence even when the cultural dialogue moves on to another topic, so kudos to the TCAs for continuing the conversation in this valuable way.
Follow Marie Claire on F (opens in new tab)acebook (opens in new tab) for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
-
The Weekend Guide to Las Catalinas, Costa RicaExactly what to eat, see, and do in the island’s best beach town.
-
Net-a-Porter's Spend to Save Sale Is Here—Here's What I'm Investing In
As though I needed another excuse to shop.
-
ICYMI: ASAP Rocky’s Oscars Manicure Was The Most Wholesome Tribute to Rihanna
No, I don’t think you understand…I’m obsessed.
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
