Image Source: Getty / Kevin Winter [1]
The Teen Choice Awards [2] may be a fun award show for young people to celebrate their favorite pop culture figures, but that doesn't mean it can't be a platform for change. The show took a surprisingly poignant turn this year when Jessica Alba took the stage with 10 teenage family members of gun violence victims. Jessica, along with singer Ne-Yo and the victims' families, brought the Teen Choice audience to tears by begging viewers to "stop the violence."
this is such a beautiful tribute and it holds such a powerful message #TeenChoice [3] #StopTheViolence [4] pic.twitter.com/8rDgP8v0cT [5]
— antonio del otero (@antoniodelotero) August 1, 2016 [6]
Particularly powerful was the presence of Alton Sterling's 15-year-old son, whose message to police brutality protesters [7] about peace has inspired many during these dark, confusing times. The moving speech, which culminated in a call to action for viewers to share photos and use the hashtag #StopTheViolence [8] on social media, garnered a huge response from teenagers and important social justice figures alike.
Very powerful moment in the Teen Choice Awards just now. All of my kids were very moved. #AltonSterling [9] #StoptheViolence [10]
— Shaun King (@ShaunKing) August 1, 2016 [11]
Jessica Alba, Neyo and the families of the victims speaking on gun violence #TeenChoice [12] #StopTheViolence [13] pic.twitter.com/Q9cHoxWn1o [14]
— Phee (@LARRY_4_LIFE) August 1, 2016 [15]
the faces of gun violence/police brutality; i respect the tcas for this #StopTheViolence [16] pic.twitter.com/Q0HieIJexR [17]
— gabriel (@troyeselena) August 1, 2016 [18]