Yara Shahidi is one of Generation Z’s most prolific voices and, as an Iranian-American, the young actress, fashionista, and activist has spoken out and shared her opinions about the current Iranian crisis that has been front-and-center recently in the news.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7Fn8llgw-0/

As a young Iranian-American with family in Iran, the news which has inundated us in the past week has felt overwhelming and divisive. I know that I will never fully understand the socio-politics playing out, even with what I’ve learned from history books and biographies. Regardless, what I do know for certain is that I mourn for all of the lives lost and halted by the events of the past week; for the many whose urge and desire for peace is caught in the crosshairs of governments; for my Iranian community who aren’t finding support in their global community and whose culture is being reduced to the actions of few in order to justify conflict. War is not the answer and the fact that it is even being entertained is frightening. 🇮🇷

The young actress, who is studying sociology and African-American studies at Harvard, is no stranger to speaking out on politics. She has taken stands on a myriad of social issues, encouraging young people to get involved and help make a difference.

This is not the first time that Shahidi has spoken out and shared her opinions on Iran/American relations. The Iranian crisis is an issue that is especially personal to the young star as her father is Iranian and she has family members who presently live in the country.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6xE2i3AW2_/

Need help explaining exactly what is going on to your little one’s? Check out our tips on how to do so age appropriately here. Helping them understand what is going on today can help make them more informed global citizens of tomorrow.