Yara Shahidi: Redefining Authenticity and Breaking Barriers
by Jonathan Tate
Yara Shahidi has become a household name, known for her role as Zoey Johnson on “Black-ish” and “Grown-ish.” Beyond her acting career, she has earned a degree in sociology and African American studies at Harvard and has been a vocal advocate for social justice and Women in STEM. Balancing these endeavors has been no easy feat, but for Yara, each aspect of her life enriches the other.
“I’ve needed both worlds because I think one gives the other meaning,” Yara shares. “My education allowed me to speak more confidently about the things that I advocate for in my work. To have the privilege to spend four years studying the things that I had already spent years discussing was really meaningful to me.”
Looking Forward
As Yara looks to the future, her vision extends beyond her current achievements. She hopes for a more equitable entertainment world where creativity can flourish without barriers. “There are a lot of stories to tell, and I’m really looking forward to being able to expand what’s on TV,” she says. In addition to her professional aspirations, Yara is exploring new hobbies, including watercoloring.
Recognizing Her Contributions
Recently, Yara was named the recipient of the Women in Film Max Mara Face of the Future Award, recognizing her grace, style, and significant contributions to her community. Reflecting on this honor, she expresses gratitude and humility. “It’s quite surreal to be so young and have people value the work that I do, because I feel like I’m only here because of the people who have come before me. I sit in a place of gratitude being like, ‘Wow, me?’”
Personal Style and Influences
Yara’s personal style is deeply rooted in family and individuality. Her first major fashion purchase was a ring with her and her brothers’ birthstones, symbolizing her close family ties. When it comes to style icons, Yara admires individuals who stay true to themselves, such as Pharrell. “I’ve had Pharrell on my mood boards for a lifetime, because fashion innovation is hard, but when people come in with their own aesthetic, it’s really inspiring.”
Originality and Authenticity
For Yara, originality and authenticity go hand in hand. “It’s about staying grounded in who you are,” she says. She strives to maintain a balance between self-criticism and staying true to herself, finding freedom in moments when she stops worrying about how she’s perceived.
Reflecting on what makes her original, Yara highlights her observational skills. “I have such a random lexicon of references in my head, between my love of history, my love of fashion, and just being a 23-year-old who’s online. I see so much continuity between what I’m going through and things that have happened in the past.”
Breaking the Rules
Yara credits her mother for teaching her the importance of questioning arbitrary rules. This mindset has empowered her to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. “When I was younger, my school had a no-gum-chewing policy, and she would sneak gum into my lunchbox just to prove that it was not world-ending.”
Navigating Fame
While Yara embraces her public platform, she acknowledges the challenges that come with it, such as repetitive questions during press tours. “This year is about collecting stories so I have more anecdotes to share,” she says, aiming to keep her narratives fresh and engaging.
Yara Shahidi’s journey is a testament to the power of staying true to oneself and the impact of observing and learning from the world. As she continues to break barriers and inspire others, Yara remains a powerful voice for change and authenticity.
Stay tuned to Youth Ekho for more inspiring stories about young stars like Yara Shahidi who are making a difference and shaping the future.
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