Yara Shahidi is a gorgeous actress who is best known for her role as Zoey in the ABC show Black-ish. Last month she received the Daily Point of Light Award at the 2016 Conference on Volunteering and Service. Yara gave an extraordinary speech on stereotypes, race, and diversity. Yara is only 16 years-old and her humanitarian and activism efforts are commendable and inspiring. She is clearly wise beyond her years and passionate about social change.
Yara explained in her speech that “through her art she has purposely chosen to express her activism.” She continues to explain how “good, bad, or indifferent TV helps define our collective reality.” She also states “if a child grows up never seeing themselves representative as successful or as the hero then they are the anomaly if they succeed and the expectation if they fail.”
Yara talks about her character Zoey on Black-ish and how her character is her “activism through art.” She also shares her favorite Zoey line is “I’m cool plus I’m black, which is cool so I win twice!” She further says shows today like Black-ish, Grey’s Anatomy, Jane the Virgin, and some others are creating characters that are complex and reflective of true human nature.
I truly recommend watching her short speech below. Yara is a great example showing that young or old you do and can have a voice, get involved, and work towards change in our communities. Big or small we all can make a change if we just try.
Remember….
“Beneath everyone’s skin, identity, beliefs, and melanin is a human trying to succeed in this crazy world.” -Yara Shahidi
“Giving back is not something you just do when you’re older. Giving back is also something you do when you’re young. Giving back is something you do right now.” -Yara Shahidi
Happy Hump Day!
Amber Dionne
