Yara Shahidi talks the return of ‘grown-ish,’ the ending of ‘black-ish’
Yara Shahidi says new episodes of ‘grown-ish’ will focus on her character’s need to choose between “selfishness and self-care.” The actor also discusses her senior year as a Harvard student, the end of the hit ABC sitcom ‘black-ish’ and working with the Obamas. (Jan. 27)
AP
Watch out world, she’s a graduate now.
Yara Shahidi can add Harvard alumna to her resume after graduating from the university Thursday. The 22-year-old actress and activist posted pictures of herself in her cap, gown and custom Dior suiting to celebrate the achievement, even making a countdown toward the big day.
“Yara (noun): a Harvard graduate ???????????? #ITSOFFICIAL #CLASSOF2022,” she captioned her photo.
The “Grown-ish” and “Black-ish” star enrolled in the university in 2017 and completed her four-year program (after taking a gap year) with a 136-thesis paper to earn her bachelor’s degree within Harvard’s social and African American studies department, according to Vogue.
“It’s surreal to have finally hit this major milestone … I’ve known I wanted to go to college since I was four. By 17, I knew exactly what I wanted to study, so to see that come to fruition is a goal fulfilled,” Shahidi told the magazine.
Many celebrities sent their congratulations on social media including Gigi Hadid, Snoh Alegra, Tyler, the Creator and Viola Davis. But proud parents Keri Shahidi and Afshin Shahidi shared their own posts to celebrate their oldest daughter.
More: Yara Shahidi on activism and reclaiming Black joy through mentorship, community
“Beautifully surreal moment seeing our delicate petal in full bloom,” Afshin Shahidi wrote on Instagram.
Her mother Keri wrote in all caps: “WHAT’S DONE IS DONE.”
‘We just want to be seen’: ‘Black-ish’ creator Kenya Barris, Anthony Anderson reflect on show’s legacy
Before Shahidi walked across the Ivy League stage she had a bit of practice with her “Grown-ish” character Zoey Johnson, who also graduated from college in March’s season finale. She posted a behind-the-scenes look of her fictional diploma on an Instagram video saying “four years flew by.”
The Kenya Barris-created Freeform spinoff will return for Season 5 on July 20 following the post-graduate life of Shahidi’s character. “Black-ish” star and on-screen brother Marcus Scribner will join the cast.
Scribner also sent his congratulations to Shahidi, writing on his Instagram story: “Ok gradddddd.”
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