Yara Shahidi Shared a Vital Speech on Gun Violence and Police Brutality
"How dare you kill my family," she wrote on Instagram.
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rTzojXVgiZtpwXuZXVVCtN-415-80.jpg)
Actor and activist Yara Shahidi is often described as the voice of Generation Z—and a speech she shared on social media exemplified just how vital her voice is. Posted in the wake of the mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio over the weekend, which resulting in at least 22 and 9 deaths respectively, Shahidi called for the dissolution of white supremacy and for our elected officials to be held accountable.
In the speech, she referred to the killing of 12-year-old Tamir Rice by a Cleveland police officer in 2014 (a police officer who never faced charges for shooting Tamir, and was hired last year by an Ohio police force), as well as the murder of Nipsey Hussle in Los Angeles in April.
"When we talk about Tamir Rice, which is something that makes me really emotional every time we talk about it, but, I see that and like, 'How dare you kill my brother?' You see the murder of Nipsey Hussle and it’s like, 'How dare you kill my prophets?'" Shahidi said in the clip.
A post shared by Yara (يارا) Shahidi (@yarashahidi)
A photo posted by on
"And it has everything to do with how we feel placed in this world, and to see other people’s lack of care is world-shifting—but it’s also very inspirational because it reminds me of why we do this work, and why you have to advocate for something more than yourself," she said.
"How dare you kill my family," Shahidi captioned the video. "I’ve been at a loss for words in light of the tragic loss of life in El Paso and Dayton. All I can say is: HOW DARE YOU KILL MY FAMILY. She continued, "we must continue to hold our elected officials accountable, we must hold each other accountable to carry with us and live in the legacies of everyone who is no longer with us."
Shahidi finished, "we must reinstate a sense of care by disassembling the white supremacy that has been allowed to run rampant in the USA since our inception."
In the comments, a host of celebrities celebrated Shahidi's words: Zendaya and Amanda Seales posted heart emojis, while Kendrick Sampson wrote, "How dare you kill our family. I’m right here with ya. Disrupt. Dismantle. And Build the caring world our communities deserve." Chloe x Halle commented, "love you so much," and Billy Porter wrote, "It's time!"
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Tracee Ellis Ross shared her Black-ish co-star's clip on Instagram. "THANK YOU YARA," she captioned it, "for your heart and your willingness to speak the hurt and to name the action." And Zoë Kravitz shared the sentiment. "love her," she commented on Ross's post. "beautiful bright spirit. thank you sis."
Emily Dixon is a British journalist who’s contributed to CNN, Teen Vogue, Time, Glamour, The Guardian, Wonderland, The Big Roundtable, Bust, and more, on everything from mental health to fashion to political activism to feminist zine collectives. She’s also a committed Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, and Tracee Ellis Ross fan, an enthusiastic but terrible ballet dancer, and a proud Geordie lass.
-
These Manicures Are for Manifesting Olympic Gold Medals
Sunisa Lee, Sha’Carri Richardson, and more athletes are betting on it.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
It's a Sporty Summer—Here's What to Shop to Get the Look
Sponsor Content Created With SHEIN
By Marie Claire Published
-
Hailey Bieber on How Justin Bieber Divorce Rumors Have Affected Her Over the Years
It's really hurtful.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton Published
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
By Mehera Bonner Published
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
By The Editors Published
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
By Andrea Park Published
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors Published
-
Surprise! Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas Are Parents
They welcomed a baby via surrogate.
By Neha Prakash Published