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Culture > Entertainment

VIDEO: BET President Debra L. Lee Gives a Moving Speech on Gun Control

Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Isabel Calkins

Going into the 2016 BET Awards last night, everyone knew that there would be surprises. Whether it was Beyoncé’s performance of “Freedom” with Kendrick Lamar, or Alicia Keys walking the red carpet without makeup, the evening was full of incredible messages. But, one in particular stood out the most. 

During the evening, BET network president, Debra L. Lee, took some time to give a speech about gun control and it’s safe to say that there was not a dry eye in the audience afterwards, according to Bustle. In reference to the recent tragedy in Orlando, Lee said that enough is enough. “We all need to take a stand against gun violence,” she said, pleading with the audience to make a change. 

Besides just discussing Orlando, she also referenced recent mass shootings in Charleston, SC, and Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, CT. She said that the kind of life that we are currently living is not okay. “We are living in daily suspense,” she says. But “Not the kind of anxiety-induced horror films, but the reality of our world, too appalling to put into words. Our daily rituals, a carefree day at school, attending bible study, going to the movies or a fun-filled Saturday night dancing, all are under attack by gun violence.”

And she knows that the act of her giving a speech alone isn’t going to do the job—more has to be done. And the way that a change is going to come is if everyone comes together to vote. “This election year at the city, state, and federal levels, know your politicians’ position on gun control. Use your voice and vote.” Now, that is a message that no one can argue with. Watch the powerful speech for yourself below. 


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Isabel is a currently the Evening & Weekend Editor at Her Campus and a student at New York University in the Global Liberal Studies program with a concentration in Contemporary Culture and Creative Production. When she is not watching Gilmore Girls or playing with puppies at the local pet store, she spends her time freelancing for numerous publications about celebrities and life. You can find her work on the websites of Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Seventeen, Elle, and Buzzfeed. Follow her on Instagram at @isabelcalkins.