WCW: YARA SHAHIDI

On Sunday I woke up to the news that HRH Megan Markle, Duchess of Sussex had been invited to be the guest editor for the September Issue of British Vogue. In this issue, it was her desire to highlight the power of the collective. As women from all walks of life were recognized for their efforts to initiate as representatives of “Forces for Change” in their everyday lives. So when I went through the list of 15 and began to familiarize myself with those I didn’t know — I was pleased, but not shocked to see that Yara Shahidi had made the list. I mean she’s been my WCW for ages, it feels like. So much so that, I might have been more than a little salty if she hadn’t made the list.

Ever since her TV debut on Blackish and now Grownish, (as a fan) I have watched her tackle social issues with a bravado most 19 years old lack. Not because 19 year olds are incapable, but because often times their minds just haven’t reached that level of awareness… yet.

Speaking for myself, I can definitely say that I was not where Yara Shahidi is at the age of 19. Nope, not at all. I was worried about clothes, food, boys, and more clothes lol.

In any case, she has continued to prove that there is power in awareness, no matter your age. That despite the bubble society thinks you belong in, you can step out of it and be better. Not only for yourself, but more importantly for your community. She reminds me (hell, all of us) that it is okay to wade in a space of creativity and thrive. While still championing for the rights of all people, especially women. So it stands to reason that she is constantly pushing the envelope where us millennials are concerned. She wants us to be the best versions of ourselves. All of which can only be done if we’re aware. It is up to us to recognize that her advocation opens the door for us. Allowing us to walk through and be seen. To be heard. To be acknowledged.

Whether she’s speaking on women’s rights or encouraging young people to get registered to vote, she is shaking the table y’all. By doing so she’s sending a message and making one thing crystal freaking clear on our behalf.

Our generation will not be shunned, our thoughts matter, and we have the power to change the conversation.

Is it safe to assume that if you’ve made it through to this point — you just may be beginning to have a better understanding of why she’s my women crush Wednesday today and frankly forever?

Not to mention that she’s also getting major WCW points for her impeccable style.

Where fashion is concerned she can absolutely do no wrong in my eyes. I’d like to think that as much as her stylist plays a role in her killer looks (s/o Jason Bolden), so does she. From her pearl Chanel tea length number at the Met Gala last year to the simple black long sleeve number she wore for her debut in British Vogue. Her style is unmatched and what little girls and grown woman everywhere (myself included) can only dream of.

Le’sigh.

If you ever stumble across this post Yara, I think I can speak for women everywhere when I say this:

We love you, we need you, we thank you.

To shaking the table like Yara Shahidi is teaching us to do. With grit in our hearts and grace in our actions,

Thelms