How Yara Shahidi Is Using Her Platform For Social Change: "I'm Making a Statement"

Updated on July 18, 2019 at 9:15 AM

Harper's Bazaar | Adrienne Raquel

Yara Shahidi has become a powerful voice for Generation Z. Between her outspoken advocacy for social justice and diversity in Hollywood, 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 — opens up about her continued efforts to create a better world. Among those efforts are maintaining her campaign Eighteen x 18 to encourage her peers to stay politically active and supporting beauty brands that offer a wide range of products and shades for women of color. 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: "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 gray. It's why I think every single person of color 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."