Yara Shahidi
An actress and producer who became a generational voice by portraying intelligent, socially aware Black teenagers on screen while advocating for education off it.
Born 2000 (age 26)·American actress and producer·Birthday: February 10·Generation Z
Biography
Yara Shahidi grew up in the public eye and chose to use that platform with remarkable purpose. From a charismatic child actor in films, she stepped into a defining role as Zoey Johnson on 'Black-ish,' capturing the complexities of a modern, politically engaged teen. She then led the spin-off 'Grown-ish,' navigating college life with a thoughtful authenticity that resonated with millions. Shahidi never separated her work from her worldview; she became a vocal advocate for education and civic engagement, even taking a gap year before Harvard to focus on activism. As a producer through her company 7th Sun, she now actively shapes narratives, ensuring that the stories told reflect a diverse and empowered generation she has come to represent.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Yara was born in 2000, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Yara Was Born
The biggest hits of 2000
#1 Movie
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Best Picture
Gladiator
#1 TV Show
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
Yara's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
2000Born
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2005Started school
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2013Became a teenager
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Could drive
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2018Could vote
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2021Turned 21
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 26 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Starred as Zoey Johnson across two successful television series, 'Black-ish' and its spin-off 'Grown-ish'.
- Founded the production company 7th Sun to develop content focused on diverse storytelling.
- Was named a UN Youth Ambassador and launched the 'Eighteen x 18' initiative to promote youth voting.
- Accepted into Harvard University, balancing her academic pursuits with her acting career.
Did You Know?
Her first name, Yara, means 'small butterfly' in Persian.
She is the great-grandniece of the historian and author John Henrik Clarke.
She took a gap year before starting at Harvard, during which she was mentored by the university's president.
She interned at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture.
“We have to be active participants in our own narratives.”
