From Amandla Stenberg to Yara Shahidi, we can learn a thing or two from the rampant beauty and boldness that is black girl magic in today’s young Hollywood.
Former Disney star Zendaya Coleman has emerged into her own as one of these significant voices in once-taboo topics within the media realm such as colorism and diversity.
And she has been slaying the conversation, never shying away from her stance on beauty politics, even if it means making other notable public figures squirm in their seat. In her latest cover feature for Glamour Magazine, here are 4 things that remind us that, in fact, Zendaya is someone to keep on your radar, for you and your daughter.
She recognizes her priviledge as a light-skinned woman of color.
A topic that is usually avoided or off-limits altogether, Zendaya understands that being of mixed race and having lighter skin gives her a hall pass of some sort, especially in Hollywood. “I’ve talked about this before, but can I honestly say I would be in the position I’m in if I weren’t a lighter-skinned black woman? No.”
can I honestly say I would be in the position I’m in if I weren’t a lighter-skinned black woman? No.
She is fearless about fashion.
For Zendaya, picking clothes from the ‘boys’ section is not off limits. That is why her line, Daya by Zendaya, is all-inclusive and has no particular gender focus. “There’s something to be said for the fact that literally everybody can hate my outfit, but if I feel good in it, I’m the only one that should matter.”
She fangirls over the same celebrities we do.
Zendaya has no qualms about giving credit to — and showing admiration for — her fellow sisters in power. “I mean, Shonda—she saw something nobody else was doing and said, ‘I’m going to create it myself. I’m going to put strong, powerful women of color in lead roles and create narratives for different types of people.’ … And then, Beyoncé. She took it to the next level with Lemonade. She’s got twins, and she’s banging. She’s killing it. And, of course, Michelle Obama, because that is an intelligent woman.”
She is optimistic about her professional future.
Shaking a Disney past can be hectic, and we have all witnessed that with plenty of former child stars that shall remain nameless. Zendaya does not want to remain typecast into the same role forever. “I have to pick the right projects, make sure I do the right things, take my time. And then I want to produce and create shows and movies, whether or not I’m starring in them.”
Which young black Hollywood star is slaying the game right now?
Let us know who your current favorite is on Instagram @naturallycurly.
Liked this?
Read my article about Rihanna and humanitarianism.
