Cousins!

In celebration of Essence magazine ‘s 50th anniversary, leader of the new school and all around talent Zendaya has gracefully covered of all four November – December issues while channeling legendary Black fashion icons!

In an one on one interview with journalist Sylvia Obell , the Emmy award winning actress reflects on her overall career, the monumental year she’s had and the responsibility she carries within advocating for the youth.

“It just feels like a lot of the time, especially for young Black people, you’re birthed into a system that’s not built for you. It’s on us to take it from here and hopefully make it better. But it doesn’t really look like that right now—and the people in charge don’t like to listen to us.”

“But it’s important to lean into hope and lean into the beautiful things that I see my peers doing, whether through their activism or through their art. It’s extremely inspiring for me to watch and be a part of. I wanted to speak to the power of that and let them know, what you’re fighting for does mean something, and you are supported and seen.”

Zendaya issues a major salute to Black creatives affording opportunities to fellow Black talents, “artists like Issa Rae and Lena Waithe have created opportunities that have resulted in more of us being in these rooms. That’s such a special feeling, and I think it’s definitely changing the idea that there can only be “one at a time,” which is false. I love to see that genuine love and respect for each other’s work. I hope that we continue to expand that in all kinds of beautiful ways, because I think we’re on a really good path.”