Yara Shahidi took to Essence to talk representation, James Baldwin and making sure her generation isn’t underestimated by getting them politically involved in the 2020 presidential election.

Shahidi founded the Eighteen x ’18 campaign in 2018. It was created to get new voters to the polls. Shahidi believes that she should use her platform to do good and promote awareness of who is running for office, and how the candidates policies affect their community.

The 19-year-old Grown-ish actress says she’s looking for inclusiveness concerning racial justice, labor equity, and environmentalism in her next president. She is also looking for a change in the education system. She believes that should one choose higher education; it should be done without financial restraint. Shahidi, being a young woman and growing up in the #MeToo movement, says she is “grateful” for being born during a time where she reaps the benefits of the freedom that was advocated for her.

“It’s continuously inspiring because I don’t think I moved into this world thinking it was a perfect place.”

Madeline Brown

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