I got the opportunity to speak with one of my biggest inspirations in the entertainment space. Actress, change agent, and producer, Yara Shahidi. We spoke on how Gen Z has now taken the baton from previous generation in continuing the fight for equity and liberation in our forms and unique identities. Yara has done so much good work over the course of her young career, but not without its challenges. We spoke on the importance of having a solid support system when growing up in Hollywood, and also the huge moves her and her mother are making with their production company, "7th Sun Productions", where they are giving the platform for other creators of color to tell stories centered around our joy...our BLACK joy. She's amazing, hope you enjoy!
My Instagram: barrettmill...
Yara's Instagram: yarashahidi...
Time Stamps
0:00 Intro
1:30 Challenges faced growing up in the entertainment industry
3:41 What Motivated Yara's parents' focus on learning and education
7:18 How Yara balances Harvard & her career
10:39 Difficulties of following passion while in college
13:30 Learning about the experiences of other communities that are different than your own
18:28 Gen Z's impact in art, creativity, and activism
24:40 Importance of true representation in TV/Film Industry
29:26 How family influenced Yara's success as a black woman
32:58 Running a production company with her mother
34:14 Advocating for equity & inclusion in the entertainment space
36:55 Gen Z...what we do well and what we don't do so well
Check out my talk show, A Lemon Squeeze, where me and other college students sit down on a couch and talk about stuff that black people should care about✨
African vs. African Americans: Our Similarities and differences
• THE TRUTH BEHIND AFRIC...
The Squeezelist (All Episodes)
• College Students Talk ...