When I was 13 years old, the thing that occupied most of my thoughts were whether or not my crush liked me back and what my grade was in Civics. But the young ladies I list here prove that young women are capable of so much more than they think they can, as well providing excellent representation in both television and movies in a world that desperately needs it.
1. Sierra Capri
Making her Netflix debut in the critically acclaimed “On My Block”, Capri plays the tomboy with a heart of gold – Monse. Not only is her character representation for the severely underrepresented Afro-Latinas, but her gut wrenching performance in the Netflix dramedy will certainly leave you speechless.
2. Storm Reid
The 14 year old made a splash in the Ava DuVernay directed “A Wrinkle in Time” in March, playing the lead role Meg Murry. Before this she was also featured in movies such as “12 Years a Slave” and “The Summoning”.
3. Ronni Hawk
Starring in Disney Channel’s “Stuck in the Middle” and Netflix’s “On My Block”, 18-year-old Ronni Hawk provides every role she’s in with a stunning maturity and grace that I wish I had.
4. Marsai Martin
At only 13, Marsai Martin has accomplished so many great things. Martin has not only been nominated for numerous awards, but has won the NAACP award Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. She’s also set to both star and executive produce a movie, “Little” about a young woman who gets to relive her childhood youth. Again, all of this at the age of 13.
5. Taliyah Whitaker
Previously seen on Netflix originals such as “Orange is the New Black”, “The Incredible Jessica James” and most recently “She’s Gotta Have it”, Taliyah Whitaker is a powerhouse in the acting field. She’s currently filming in her most recent movie, Dream Years.
6. Yara Shahidi
I would tell you to keep an eye out for Yara Shahidi, but chances are you already are. The “Grown-ish” actress is not only a fashion icon but also an avid social justice advocate. She often tweets in opposition to police brutality and is a supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement.
7. Peyton Elizabeth Lee
The 13-year-old Disney Channel is the star of the progressive Disney Channel show “Andi Mack”, following the tale of a young girl dealing with adolescence life and her familial relationship. The show features one of Disney’s first openly LGBT characters and follows their journey into discovering their sexuality.