Did you know Yara Shahidi goes to Harvard? Find out more interesting facts about the young activist and actress on her birthday.

<a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/yara-shahidi-k-pop-exo-chanyeol-park-jin-chen-prada-sustainable-linea-rossa" target="_blank">Yara Shahidi</a> is no stranger to the spotlight. At just nine years old, she starred opposite <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/best-thanksgiving-movies-to-watch" target="_blank">Eddie Murphy</a> in the comedy&nbsp;Imagine That,&nbsp;and&nbsp;went on to star in various films and sitcoms before landing her big role in ABC&#39;s hit show&nbsp;Black-ish and its spinoff Grown-ish.&nbsp;

But Shahidi is much more than her roles on screen. She&#39;s a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global/2019/aug/04/yara-shahidi-i-will-put-my-career-on-the-line-to-talk-politics" target="_blank">fearless activist</a>, a friend to nation&#39;s leaders and favorite celebrities, and even an Ivy League attendee.&nbsp;At 21, she&#39;s&nbsp;become&nbsp;the voice of young Hollywood, using her <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yarashahidi/" target="_blank">platform</a> to advocate for people&#39;s rights and educate her fanbase.&nbsp;In celebration of the actress&#39;&nbsp;birthday, here are some things about Shahidi you may not know, but definitely should.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Shahidi got into every college she applied to—including Harvard, which she accepted. 

Michelle Obama wrote her letter of recommendation for college.

Shahidi comes from creative roots as both her parents are in the entertainment industry. Her mother is an actress and her father is a cinematographer. Shahidi’s dad was also notably a photographer for musician Prince. Her younger brothers are also actors.

Speaking of family ties in the entertainment industry, rapper Nas is her cousin.

After the 2016 election, voter education became a main focus in Shahidi's activism. Since then, she's joined celebrities at the forefront of activist campaigns, pictured here with Tracee Ellis Ross.

She has a black belt in Karate.

She's friends with Zendaya.

She is "obsessed" with Marvel, pictured here at the "Black Panther" premiere in 2018. 

Shahidi turned down many scripts in pursuit of more meaningful roles. She told W Magazine in 2016 that she asks herself, "What will this mean to me? Will I be proud of this years from now?"

9 Things You Should Know About "Grown-ish" Star and Activist Yara Shahidi

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9 Things You Should Know About "Grown-ish" Star and Activist Yara Shahidi

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