While women like Oprah, Laverne Cox, and Viola Davis are setting the stage for black women to shine in the entertainment industry, a number of young black girls have also contributed to the conversation surrounding race in Hollywood. These young women are using their individual platforms and unique gifts to inspire and uplift. Here are nine magical beings who continually give me life:
1. Zendaya
At this point, it's clear to everyone that Zendaya is a national treasure. If Beyoncé is our revered queen (#AllHailBey), then Zendaya is our beloved princess. Since her start on Disney Channel's Shake It Up, Zendaya has successfully branched out and developed a respectable acting career, starring in blockbusters like Spiderman: Homecoming and The Greatest Showman. Zendaya is proud of her biracial heritage and holds herself to an incredibly high standard as a role model.
2. Yara Shahidi
Yara Shahidi has garnered most of her fame from starring in the ABC sitcom, Black-ish (and, more recently, a spin-off called, Grown-ish). Shahidi is proud of her mixed African-Iranian heritage and is very forthcoming about her natural hair routine/products. As well, Shahidi is incredibly well-spoken. She gave a TED Talk about how media perpetuates damaging black stereotypes and blew everyone away.
3. China Anne McClain
4. Willow Smith
Perhaps you haven't heard much about Willow Smith since 'Whip My Hair' came out in 2010, but she's steadily been creating and putting out (beautiful) music. Willow is a fierce, trend-setting, uniquely wise young woman with a bright future ahead of her. Interesting, but certainly bright.
5. Normani Kordei
Normani is a member of the musical group Fifth Harmony (are they even still called that?). As well, she participated on Dancing With the Stars and nearly (should have) won. She's on this list because she slays. Consistently. Without fail. As an example, here's a bonus gif of her falling on stage and saving face BIG TIME:
6. Chloe x Halle
These sisters have two of the most melodious voices I've ever heard. They got their start filming covers of songs on YouTube and were recently signed to Beyoncé's record label, Parkwood. I've no doubt that with their talent (and the Queen Mother's official sign-off) these two will have splendid careers.
7. Simone Biles
Simone Biles became America's sweetheart when she took home four gold medals (and one bronze) at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. Likewise, she showed millions of black little girls that they could shine in a sport dominated by non-black athletes.
8. Skai Jackson
Skai Jackson may have started out as the cute, conniving little sister of Disney's Jessie, but she's transformed into a popular meme and a social media icon. Her clap-back game is STRONG. She's not one to mess with. For example (like when she dragged Azealia Banks):
9. Quvenzhané Wallis
Obviously, as the youngest person to ever be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance as Hushpuppy in Beasts of the Southern Wild, Quvenzhane has more than earned her place on this list. She was also nominated for her performance as the titular character in Annie (2014).
