Amandla Stenberg
(1998–present)
Actress and activist Amandla Stenberg was a fan-favorite as Rue in the wildly successful “Hunger Games” franchise, but she is also a respected voice and advocate for black women. Her 2015 video, “Don’t Cash Crop on My Cornrows,” was a declaration about cultural appropriation that asked the crucial question, “What would America be like if we loved black people as much as we love black culture?” Stenberg is one of many influential black women embracing the concept of black girl magic, using it as a welcome rallying cry for the advancement of women of color.
Other women who changed our spirit are Wilma Rudolph, Bri Luna, Ursula Burns, and Mae C. Jemison.
About the illustrator: Kylie Akia is a digital freelance illustrator and painter residing in Chicago, IL. Her work creates a narrative of juxtaposition with the use of color and subject and broadcasts the underrepresented in a colorful and uplifting light.