Yara Shahidi Opens Up About the Importance of Diversity On-Screen

Yara Shahidi is not one to be silent about issues that are important to her. Her activism and her platform are very much intertwined, and she frequently speaks out about injustices — from white supremacy in Charlottesville to her political beliefs.

Now, the 17-year-old grown-ish actress is speaking out about diversity on-screen and how she came to be so entrenched in activism at such a young age.

“When we talk about diversity on screen we’re not just talking about color; we’re talking about gender identity, fluidity, and sexual identity,” she writes in an essay for i-D. “As a TV show, black-ish has created a national dialogue about social issues, whether it’s the episode in which we’re talking about police brutality, or when we talk about the complexity of being biracial.”

Yara also explains how she came to be so outspoken about issues that matter to her.

“I’m really into history and understanding past political movements, learning about those people who’ve made my literal existence possible, who have paved the way for me to thrive within the world,” she continues. “It wasn’t by accident that I am living here and living freely.”

While she may not be satisfied with what is going on in the world right now, Yara has a lot of hope for the future.

“What we’re about to unleash is the Kraken – my generation, Gen Z! So many young people are about to be of voting age, and now it’s time to prepare each and every one of us to understand not only how to vote, but the nuances of voting.”

Her voice is so important, and we’re so glad she is using it to inform and encourage her fans.