'Black-ish' Star Yara Shahidi Writes Poignant Message About American Dreams

Yara Shahidi has high hopes for our country.

The 16-year-old Black-ish star took to Instagram to write a really powerful message about what she wants the term “American” to become.

“American. My dream of dreams, my goal, my motivation, is that the term ‘American’ will one day truly be inclusive of the many people that live in its 50 states,” Yara wrote. “The creation of safe space is essential to allowing all people to embrace who they are without the fear of discrimination or suppression. Our many identities (whether it be ethnic, gender, religious, sexual, etc) should be celebrated and protected. The suppression of any person is the suppression of all people.”

She continued, “We all deserve clean water, equal pay, the right to love and legally love who we want, to feel protected by the law, and so much more. To live freely is what was promised and what we work to attain. Through our action, solidarity, and perseverance, we will define American. #NoDAPL #VoteForLove #FlintWaterCrisis #VoteforEquality #genderparity”

In case you missed it, Yara is on the latest cover of Teen Vogue with BFF Rowan Blanchard!