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'It doesn't save one life!': A House member erupts after moment of silence for Santa Fe.

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman belted out her frustrations over gun violence at an emotionally charged moment on the House floor.

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman at a press conference in 2015. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images.

In the House of Representatives on May 21, the 10 names of those who lost their lives in the Santa Fe, Texas, high school shooting were read aloud, and Republican Rep. Randy Weber requested a moment of silence for the victims in his district.

The instant the gavel banged to end the moment, Watson Coleman — a New Jersey Democrat who's been staunchly in favor of stronger gun laws — began yelling, her voice filling the quiet chamber.


"Your moment of silence doesn’t save one single solitary life!" she screamed. "Do something!"

The moment of silence begins at about the 2:40 mark in the video below, shared by NBC News (story continues below):

House floor moment of silence for victims of Santa Fe High School shooting

"Your moment of silence doesn't save one single solitary life ... do something!" New Jersey Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman yells out after the US House holds a moment of silence for those killed in the Santa Fe High School shooting. https://nbcnews.to/2IEFWOI

Posted by NBC News on Monday, May 21, 2018

Watson Coleman's outburst reflects the same frustration many Americans have as Congress fails to act after yet another senseless massacre.

Thoughts and prayerswere offered by Republicans after the Parkland, Florida, school shooting. They were offered after the Sutherland Springs church shooting. They were offered after the 2017 Las Vegas shooting. They've been offered time and time again.

But without real legislation — overwhelmingly popular, bipartisan, commonsense gun control laws — thoughts and prayers won't change the status quo.

"We can and should pray, just like we can and must do something," Watson Coleman tweeted on May 18.

"I'm lower than heartbroken, I'm sickened that we remain completely frozen on anything to address gun violence in the U.S. in its many forms" she said.

Instead of solely offering thoughts and prayers, let's force Congress to enact real solutions.

And make sure to vote in November too.

Learn more about common sense gun laws at Everytown for Gun Safety. Learn more about registering to vote at USA.gov.

All images provided by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

Collins after being selected by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

True

A changemaker is anyone who takes creative action to solve an ongoing problem—be it in one’s own community or throughout the world.

And when it comes to creating positive change, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective can hold just as much power as years of experience. That’s why, every year, Prudential Emerging Visionaries celebrates young people for their innovative solutions to financial and societal challenges in their communities.

This national program awards 25 young leaders (ages 14-18) up to $15,000 to devote to their passion projects. Additionally, winners receive a trip to Prudential’s headquarters in Newark, New Jersey, where they receive coaching, skills development, and networking opportunities with mentors to help take their innovative solutions to the next level.

For 18-year-old Sydnie Collins, one of the 2023 winners, this meant being able to take her podcast, “Perfect Timing,” to the next level.

Since 2020, the Maryland-based teen has provided a safe platform that promotes youth positivity by giving young people the space to celebrate their achievements and combat mental health stigmas. The idea came during the height of Covid-19, when Collins recalled social media “becoming a dark space flooded with news,” which greatly affected her own anxiety and depression.

Knowing that she couldn’t be the only one feeling this way, “Perfect Timing” seemed like a valuable way to give back to her community. Over the course of 109 episodes, Collins has interviewed a wide range of guests—from other young influencers to celebrities, from innovators to nonprofit leaders—all to remind Gen Z that “their dreams are tangible.”

That mission statement has since evolved beyond creating inspiring content and has expanded to hosting events and speaking publicly at summits and workshops. One of Collins’ favorite moments so far has been raising $7,000 to take 200 underserved girls to see “The Little Mermaid” on its opening weekend, to “let them know they are enough” and that there’s an “older sister” in their corner.

Of course, as with most new projects, funding for “Perfect Timing” has come entirely out of Collins’ pocket. Thankfully, the funding she earned from being selected as a Prudential Emerging Visionary is going toward upgraded recording equipment, the support of expert producers, and skill-building classes to help her become a better host and public speaker. She’ll even be able to lease an office space that allows for a live audience.

Plus, after meeting with the 24 other Prudential Emerging Visionaries and her Prudential employee coach, who is helping her develop specific action steps to connect with her target audience, Collins has more confidence in a “grander path” for her work.

“I learned that my network could extend to multiple spaces beyond my realm of podcasting and journalism when industry leaders are willing to share their expertise, time, and financial support,” she told Upworthy. “It only takes one person to change, and two people to expand that change.”

Prudential Emerging Visionaries is currently seeking applicants for 2024. Winners may receive up to $15,000 in awards and an all-expenses-paid trip to Prudential’s headquarters with a parent or guardian, as well as ongoing coaching and skills development to grow their projects.

If you or someone you know between the ages of 14 -18 not only displays a bold vision for the future but is taking action to bring that vision to life, click here to learn more. Applications are due by Nov. 2, 2023.

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