Actress, social activist, humanitarian and avid selfie taker, Yara Shahidi truly does it all and is the definition of Black Girl Magic. Just by scrolling through her Instagram and Twitter, one can clearly see that she is woke and not afraid to embrace it. The 17-year old Black-ish star knows how to serve conservative looks as well as powerful messages that have impacted people’s outlooks on social and racial injustices.
Her message after receiving the Young, Gifted and Black award at the 2017 Black Girl’s Rock ceremony, was not only a symbol of who she is as a person but also of her dedication as a spokesperson for this movement. Overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude Yara states, “White taught me what Black was not. Male taught me what female was not. Straight taught me what gay was not. Sad taught me what happy was not. Law taught me what equality and equity were not.” She goes on to say, “But our charge is not to live within this negative space of who we are not to be. Who are we not to be, after all?”
Not only does her message leave room for people to think, but it is also empowers and encourages women to embrace who they are and everything they are not. Society portrays this perfect image of women that is not fitting, nor does it allow us to embrace the power we have within ourselves. We are so much more than how we are viewed and together we truly do have the power to change the world. She has proudly used her platform as an actress to speak out against the injustices far too many people face in America today.
Young women like Yara are crucial for millennials so that they too, will have the courage to stand for their beliefs and welcome growth into their lives. She has not only influenced the younger generation but has gained honor from individuals like Michelle Obama. I, myself have been positively influenced by Yara’s deep, intellectual conversations along with the cute advocacy merch she wears.
Yara will be attending Harvard University alongside Malia Obama in 2018 after taking a gap year. If you’re aiming to be just as woke as Yara, follow her social media for some daily empowerment, I promise you won’t regret it.