Yara Shahidi [1] has become a powerful voice for Generation Z [2]. Between her outspoken advocacy for social justice and diversity in Hollywood [3], the 19-year-old Grown-ish actress doesn't shy away from speaking her mind and fighting for what she believes in. In Harper's Bazaar's August issue, the Harvard student — who casually received a letter of recommendation from Michelle Obama [4] — opens up about her continued efforts to create a better world [5]. Among those efforts are maintaining her campaign Eighteen x 18 [6] to encourage her peers to stay politically active and supporting beauty brands that offer a wide range of products and shades for women of colour. Ahead, read how she uses her platform to make important statements on social causes.
- On starring in The Sun Is Also a Star alongside Charles Melton [8]: "It's not often that we see a story that humanizes immigration for a young audience."
- On becoming the new face of Bobbi Brown's newly expanded shade range: "I love that more brands are doing this. There have been times when I got out of the makeup chair and my skin looked grey. It's why I think every single person of colour usually brings their own makeup kit to set."
- On her decision to wear track suits over revealing clothes: "By not showing skin, I'm making a statement."
- On the clothes she wore for her Harper's Bazaar photo shoot: "My clothes need to have movement. For me, fashion is all about joy."