Often times when Black History Month facts are discussed we talk about inventors, civil rights leaders, athletes who paved the way for others who followed them. Well, this post is going to be a bit different. History is being made every day, and there are extraordinary Black millennials are making it.
We have people like Donald Glover who is a triple threat with acting, rapping, and singing. The man must have inked a deal with Disney because he’s been in Marvel movies, he recently wrapped the new ‘Solo’ movie in the Star Wars franchise and he’s playing Simba in the live action version of Lion King. He kept fans on their toes and pushed the envelope with his Fx show ‘Atlanta’ and had us all fussing about waiting an extra year for a new season. He also blessed us all with the ‘Awaken My Love’ album and had us singing “NOW STAY WOKE”. Donald Glover is a force to be reckoned with both in Hollywood and the music industry and he’s stayed true to himself. I look forward to what he has in store for us in the future.
Then there’s Franchesca Ramsey or as she’s known online, Chescaleigh. You might remember her from her “Shit White Girls Say to Black Girls” video, or as a contributor on ‘The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore’ and her #HashItOut segments. You might even know her from MTV’s ‘Decoded’ series or maybe you know her from her podcast ‘Last Name Basis’ with her husband, Patrick. Well, you’re about to get to know her really well when her book ‘Well, That Escalated Quickly‘ drops this year. Chescaleigh is HILARIOUS and she is making waves in the industry. She’s just getting started but I see big things ahead for here.
Luvvie’s another millennial who’s making waves! I’ve talked about her on this blog numerous times, but this woman is the truth! She’s been making her rounds as a public speaker this past year and has even started a weekly Facebook vlog in addition to everything else she has going on. Oh, and get used to hearing her voice, she did a voiceover in a recent Nike commercial. So what’s next for Luvvie? She’s teamed up with Shonda Rhimes to bring her best-seller ‘I’m Judging You’ to the small screen and I’m looking forward to that. The sky is the limit for this woman!
And last but not least is Yara Shahidi. She’s 17 years old and making waves not only onscreen but in real life too. She captured our attention on ‘Black-ish’ and has since become a role model to not only younger kids, but to those older than her as well. She’s using her platform to raise awareness about social justice and gender inequality, she’s given speeches that have blown me away and I’m damn near 13 years her senior, and don’t get me started on her now show. ‘Grown-ish’ is the type of show that’s needed now. They tackle hard topics and do it with grace and inclusiveness; it just got renewed for a second season, and I have a feeling it will be around for many more after that.
I saw a shirt floating around on a few social media channels that said “we are our ancestors’ wildest dreams” and these millennials are showing just that! We make Black history every day!