Yara Shahidi on What It Means "To Be a Black Girl"

"To Be a Black Girl"

by Yara Shahidi

Google Arts & Culture

To be a black girl is to be one of the reasons the universe thrives.

Our lineage has taught me that I am integral, that we are important, even when society dismisses us, hiding the wonder of our presence, a trail set for and before us by generations of powerful and empowered Black women.

Bell hooks, Angela Davis, Janet Mock, Cicely Tyson, Patrisse Khan-Cullurs - an ever growing list of undisputed change-makers and boundary-expanders.

Each and every one of us, embracing our obligation to serve as a mother-shepherd to our society, experiencing with a knowingness the excruciating pains of labor in hopes that the continual rebirth and evolution of our nation will be one that revels in our existence, that lifts us as empowered beings, and that remembers the tenderness of our care.

A study of my history tells me that I will soar, despite the continuation of oppression, neglect and objectification. We will soar. I'm inspired by my own family of powerful black women, I carry the intention to continue making space for black girls to be black girls.

Read the full letter here.

Video

Celebrating Black History with Yara #GoogleArts #BHM

To celebrate Black History, Yara Shahidi pays homage to a long tradition of Black women and changemakers who empower us today. Visit the renewed Black History and Culture collection on Google Arts & Culture at https://g.co/blackhistory

To celebrate Black History, Yara Shahidi pays homage to a long tradition of Black women and changemakers who empower us today. Visit the renewed Black History and Culture collection on Google Arts & Culture at https://g.co/blackhistory

Here are additional ways Google's products are honoring Black history:

In a special video series, YouTube creators talk about the individuals creating Black history today.

Learn from your Google Assistant. Just say, "Hey Google, share a story about Black history."

Take a journey in VR with Black history lessons in Google Expeditions.

Listen a YouTube playlist of iconic Motown artists curated by influencers like Lebron James, Bethann Hardison, Morgan DeBaun, Mellody Hobson, Veronica Webb and Van Jones.

Search "Black History Month" on Google and see posts by verified organizations like the NAACP.

View the full Black History and Culture collection on Google Arts and Culture at: g.co/blackhistory.